Local Cyclist Killed

[M'Lynn]

The following email was send to Cherry Capital Cycling Club members, and is worthy of reposting here:

As President of Cherry Capital Cycling Club, I am shocked and grief-stricken by the tragic loss of our friend Carl Ray, who was killed while riding his bicycle on Rapid City Road this past Thursday evening around 8 p.m. I do not have the details, but just knowing Carl as I did, he was a very careful and conscientious rider and it is with disbelief that he was struck and killed. Both he and the truck were traveling in the same direction when the accident occurred. Our hearts go out to his wife and family. This will surely create a huge void in their lives, as Carl was a kind, generous, hardworking man who leaves behind many happy memories of rides we have had together as friends and members of the Club.

Yvonne M. Cunkle
President, CCCC

Additional Note: As additional details become available, they will be posted on the CCCC website.

[M'Lynn]

We are seeking the contribution of a bike to use as a "ghost bike" memorial in remembrance of Carl Ray, and a reminder to all cyclists and vehicle operators to carefully share the road and remain aware at all times.

Ghost Bikes

Ghost Bikes are small and somber memorials for bicyclists who are killed or hit on the street. A bicycle is painted all white and locked to a street sign near the crash site, accompanied by a small plaque. They serve as reminders of the tragedy that took place on an otherwise anonymous street corner, and as quiet statements in support of cyclists' right to safe travel.

Ghost bikes have appeared in at least 51 cities throughout the world. For those who create and install the memorials, the death of a fellow bicyclist hits home. We all travel the same unsafe streets and face the same risks; it could just as easily be any one of us. Each time we say we hope to never have to do it again -- but we remain committed to making these memorials as long as they are needed.

Please contact [e-mail] if you have a bicycle that you are willing to donate as a memorial to Carl Ray.

[lostgears]

Strangely there are still little details available about the incident. This is all the Record Eagle had to say about it in Saturday's edition.

"Published: August 02, 2008 09:32 am

Bicyclist killed in Kalkaska crash


FROM STAFF REPORTS


KALKASKA -- A Williamsburg bicyclist died in a Kalkaska County traffic crash.

Carl John Ray, 62, died after he was struck by a truck on Rapid City Road near Hill Road at about 8 p.m. Thursday, police said. Ray and the truck were both traveling south on the road.

The crash remains under investigation."

If anyone learns anything at all, please let us know.

[lostgears]

This update is from Yvonne Kunkel at the CCCC as of Monday morning August 4, 2008.

8/4/08 Update - CCCC member Carl Ray passed away on July 31 as a result of a bicycle/car accident. Carl's obituary is in today's Record-Eagle. As of this morning, it has not been posted online. According to the obituary, cremation has taken place. Memorials may be given on Carl's behalf to the Grass River Natural Area, PO Box 231, Bellaire, MI 49615.



By coincidence, there is legislation pending in the House of Representatives in Lansing which would enhance penalties for causing physical injury or death to bicyclists. Please consider taking a few minutes to write in support of these 2 House bills. More information below.

A League of Michigan Bicyclists call to action:



LEGISLATION PENDING TO ENHANCE PENALTIES

FOR CAUSING PHYSICAL INJURY OR DEATH TO BICYCLISTS

HB 6299 and 6300 would enhance penalities for moving violations:

• up to a year of imprisonment or a fine of up to $1000 for injuring a cyclist using the road

• up to 15 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to $7500 for causing the death of a road rider


If you support this legislation, please write your Representative today.

More information here.

[Kate]

M'Lynn,
Have you received any response regarding the contribution of a bike to use in Carl's memory? We discussed possible memorials at the last CCCC board and I believe there are many members who would like to help with the ghost bike. Please let me know the latest.
Kate

M'Lynn said:

We are seeking the contribution of a bike to use as a "ghost bike" memorial in remembrance of Carl Ray, and a reminder to all cyclists and vehicle operators to carefully share the road and remain aware at all times.

Ghost Bikes

Ghost Bikes are small and somber memorials for bicyclists who are killed or hit on the street. A bicycle is painted all white and locked to a street sign near the crash site, accompanied by a small plaque. They serve as reminders of the tragedy that took place on an otherwise anonymous street corner, and as quiet statements in support of cyclists' right to safe travel.

Ghost bikes have appeared in at least 51 cities throughout the world. For those who create and install the memorials, the death of a fellow bicyclist hits home. We all travel the same unsafe streets and face the same risks; it could just as easily be any one of us. Each time we say we hope to never have to do it again -- but we remain committed to making these memorials as long as they are needed.

Please contact [e-mail] if you have a bicycle that you are willing to donate as a memorial to Carl Ray.

[M'Lynn]

Still no bike has come forward. I have the white paint.

[lostgears]

This little news item reminded me of Carl Ray. Thought I'd share it. Click here.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/388870_drunkdriver22.html?sourc...

[M'Lynn]

Charges filed in cyclist's death

Driver allegedly tested positive for drugs
By ART BUKOWSKI and SHERI MCWHIRTER
Record-Eagle staff writers

KALKASKA -- Bicyclist Carl John Ray died nearly four months ago when a truck struck him from behind as he peddled along Rapid City Road in Kalkaska County.

The driver who hit him now faces criminal charges for the collision. Area cyclists will be glad to hear it, said Fred Schaafsma, member of the Cherry Capital Cycling Club.

"It won't bring Carl Ray back, but it's good to hear they're proceeding," Schaafsma said. "The thing that is upsetting for us is that the cyclist is often blamed with the fault."

Kalkaska County Prosecutor Brian Donnelly charged the driver, whom he wouldn't identify pending an arraignment, with operating under the influence causing death and negligent homicide. The driver, 50, is expected to be arrested and arraigned shortly.

"We'll be making efforts to get him in here as soon as we can," Donnelly said.

Donnelly waited for several months for the results of blood tests sent to the Michigan State Police crime lab. Those results allegedly showed the driver, of Rapid City, was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the incident.

Donnelly said he consulted with a state police toxicologist, and they believe the level of the drug in the suspect's bloodstream affected his driving.

"His statement essentially was, I looked down, and when I looked up, I was so close to him I didn't have time to veer or stop," Donnelly said. "Why didn't you see this guy well down the road? Did you look down for hundreds of yards?"

The local cycling community responded to the death of Ray, 62, with a Sept. 5 memorial ride on Leelanau Trail. Meanwhile, they collectively wondered why it took so long for the investigation to be completed, Schaafsma said.

Donnelly said the state police lab is extremely backlogged, so blood results don't always come quickly.

A sense of justice will come with the pending criminal charges, Schaafsma said.

"There will be some degree of justice, not necessarily closure, but a sense of justice," he said. "Finally. That's the way most people feel. Finally."

Ray worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a rural route mail carrier in Fife Lake. He also spent spare time as a photographer, bicyclist, private pilot, sailor and taught wood carving for 4-H, according to obituary information.

[lostgears]

Someone finally named in death of Carl Ray. This from the CCCC website:

Published: December 11, 2008 09:52 am

Man charged with bicyclist's death

FROM STAFF REPORTS

KALKASKA -- A Rapid City man who faces criminal charges in the death of a Kalkaska County bicyclist is set to appear in court for a preliminary examination.

Stephen Ciarkowski, 50, was arraigned on charges of operating while intoxicated causing death, and negligent homicide for the death of bicyclist Carl John Ray in July. He will appear in court in Kalkaska on Monday.

Ciarkowski allegedly collided from behind with Ray while he pedaled down Rapid City Road in Kalkaska County.

Ciarkowski was arrested and arraigned Nov. 26 and was released from custody after posting 10 percent of a $100,000 bond.

Operating while intoxicated causing death is a 15-year felony, while negligent homicide is a two-year high court misdemeanor.

Kalkaska County Prosecutor Brian Donnelly waited several months for the results of blood tests sent to the Michigan State Police crime lab. Those results allegedly showed Ciarkowski was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the incident.

Donnelly said he consulted with a state police toxicologist and they believe the level of the drug in the suspect's bloodstream affected his driving.