A large group of cyclists in San Antonio, Texas gathered for an organized ride to benefit bicycle accident victim Monica Caban, according to MySanAntonio.com. Caban, 39, was struck from behind by a car while riding on October 20. The crash left her paralyzed from the waist down, and doctors have said they are doubtful she will ever walk again.
Caban, a mother of two, was hit while riding along Interstate 10 with a friend, training for the Ironman in Arizona in November. Caban completed the Florida Ironman last year. Caban was hit by a truck and flung 30 feet. The impact immediately severed her spine.
The San Antonio cycling community rallied in support of Caban, as well as to take a stand against inconsiderate motorists. Since 2009, there have been 10 fatal bicycle accidents in San Antonio involving cars.
“It’s scary when you ride out here,” says Don Losole, ride lead for the bicycle club at Life Time Fitness. “They [motorists] really don’t care about us as cyclists. They really look at us as a nuisance on the road.”
The San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is striving to make San Antonio safer for cyclists. The MPO holds public meetings to educate both motorists and cyclists about bicycle safety laws.
“Is it totally safe to ride a bicycle anywhere, anytime in San Antonio? Of course not,” says Scott Ericksen, MPO’s public involvement coordinator. “Is it getting better? Yes it is.”
At the very least, this organization is raising awareness for the San Antonio cycling community. Cyclists are entitled the same roadway rights as motorists. Please contact our firm for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured.
Bonnici Law Group, APC—San Diego bicycle accident attorney.