Comments on: Crash Victim Identified; Cycling Advocates Outraged

By: John

John — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:41:39 +0000

I just learned of this tragedy today…I last spoke with Mike just two weeks ago. The world (and cycling world) has lost a great ambassador. Mike Nine is my friend, an avid cyclist and proud husband and father. Mike Nine was a gentle, deep soul who’s obviously needed elsewhere. Sometimes nothing makes sense. Farewell my friend.
Prayers and wishes to his family.

By: Concerned Cyclist

Concerned Cyclist — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:03:20 +0000

If anyone is aware of any tributes being planned to share our respects for Michael and efforts to aid the Nine family please post them. Thank you.

By: Dan Belling

Dan Belling — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 22:10:07 +0000

I agree with “this is not the place to voice a “motorist” view of sharing the road. The fact is that many of the top contributing busienss members and many of your comminity ride a bike for pleasure, fitness and stress relief. It is a lifestyle choiuce – we as cyclist are subjected to motorist that don’t allow us 3 feet of free space to ride, and frankly if we tie up an enitre lane for a mile or tow, it only cost you the driver 1 minute .. but lack of attention and frustration on your part cost a life…..

By: CORONA DEL MAR TODAY » Fatal Cycling Crash Remains Under Investigation

CORONA DEL MAR TODAY » Fatal Cycling Crash Remains Under Investigation — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:53:51 +0000

[...] our earlier stories here and [...]

By: Corona del Mar Today Staff

Corona del Mar Today Staff — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:23:31 +0000

Tim — From my interviews with police, who interviewed witnesses, it really is not accurate to say that someone “had to pull across the street at that instant” and caused the crash. It’s all still under investigation.

By: John

John — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:57:16 +0000

My condolences to Mr. Nine’s family. Truly a tragedy.

You know, some of the misunderstanding regarding a cyclist’s rights while on the roadway stem from the lack of education regarding cycling. Perhaps if the California driver’s license examination contained some questions involving cyclists on the road, motorists would be more aware around cyclists.

Yet it occurs to me that motorists NEVER cut off a group of Hell’s Angels or Mongols. If something seems non threatening, such as a cyclist, the presence is ignored by the frequently distracted, cell phone, GPS, kid’s in the car, drivers.

By: Tim Lewis

Tim Lewis — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 09:37:19 +0000

Who are you people blaming the victim? What world do you live in? Mike’s only crime was riding down a hill when someone decided they didn’t care if a cyclist was coming down, but they _had_ to pull across the street at that instant instead of waiting 5 seconds. Had he been in a car or on a motorcycle the outcome would have still been a collision, it just would have hurt the truck, too.

Those of us that spend time riding constantly wonder if drivers are just wrapped up in their own world and oblivious or if you are actively trying to kill us. Not that it really matters, because in either case all you have to do is tell the police, “I didn’t see him.” and you skate. While you go on with your lives there is a family and countless friends grieving.

When a group is descending a hill like Spyglass they often take a lane in the road. It’s the proper thing to do. We’re going 30-35 mph in an area where the speed limit is 45. It’s not going to kill you to slow down and follow or pass in the other lane. If it were a bus with 40 people on it going a little slower than the speed limit, you wouldn’t try to run it off the road, but because it’s a group of cyclists traveling the same speed and you know that you’re safe, you get bold and honk/weave/etc. Trust me, every cyclist has seen it 100 times.

This is how it works. If I make a mistake and hit you, I die. If you make a mistake and hit me, I die. In neither case does it cost you anything more than a trip to the autobody shop. Pay attention.

By: BD

BD — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:05:25 +0000

Tony Petros’ blog is right on. …..I live there and saw the aftermath……….We all must learn from this….A terrible tradgedy today……Thoughts and prayers for the Nine family.

By: william langstaff

william langstaff — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:44:19 +0000

I was on this ride this morning but left a little early. This group is a
Careful and safe, the route is we take every Thursday. This accident
Cerrtainly brings up the point that no matter what group you ride with
This is a very dangerous sport. Mike has always riden safe and considerate
To other riders. This is a hugh shock and a tragic accident. We lose
A great cycling friend, husband,father, citizen. Mike will be missed.

By: Georgia Peach

Georgia Peach — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:36:02 +0000

I am outraged by some of the previous comments!! This is not the place to comment about “share the road” or how you may be disturbed by cyclists on the road.
Mike Nine did nothing unlawful and lost his life today leaving behind a wife and 2 young children!!! He didn’t run a stop sign nor was he speeding.
Mike was a veteran cyclists and ALWAYS followed the “road rules” just as they apply to “motorists”.
My husband lost his best friend today and I find it sad there are people who find “this site” to be a place to discuss your displeasure with “some” cyclists who may choose to NOT follow road signs and speed limits!!!
Have a heart and pray for Mike’s family and the children he has left behind. And PLEASE…. vent your frustrations on/ in the proper channels or websites.
May the Nine family find strength to get through the days ahead!!! :*-(