February 4, 2006

John E. Hummel

Kane County Attorney
76 North Main Street
Kanab, Utah 84741

Dear Mr. Hummel:

We are writing on behalf of Utah bicyclists in regards to the motorist who hit and killed bicyclist Steve Williams.  Thank you for your energy in pursuing this prosecution. We are closely watching this case and share the disappointment of Steve’s family to the “not guilty” plea from the motorist Mr. Sorenson to charges of attempted negligent homicide.  Hitting a cyclist from behind in broad daylight is grossly negligent and deserves consequences for costing a family the loss of a loved one.   We hope due process will result in Mr. Sorenson admitting guilt and a sentence that will lead to increased caution when motorists pass bicyclists.

Bicyclists have every legal right to ride in the travel lane on the road.  Please reference the definition of “roadway” in UCA 41-6-1 and the use of this term in 41-6-87.  The shoulder of a rural road rarely provides the smooth and debris-free riding surface required for safe bicycling.  In some cases it is actually safest for the cyclist to ride toward the center of the lane when no shoulder exists, because it encourages motorists to pass safely in the left lane rather than attempt to squeeze by the cyclist in the same lane.  Also, experienced bicyclists prefer and cycling safety education programs teach cyclists to ride in a prominent road position to be more visible.

Thank you for your consideration and pursuit of justice in this most tragic accident.

Sincerely,

Directors of the Utah Bicycle Coalition 

Travis Jensen_________________________            Dave Iltis__________________________    

Brian Price___________________________            John Weis__________________________   

Malcolm Campbell_____________________            Bob Springmeyer____________________   

Ken Johnson__________________________           Jason Bultman______________________   

Affiliates of the Utah Bicycle Coalition and electronic signatures to this letter include:

Kai Reed

Event Coordinator

Cactus Hugger Cycling Festival

St. George, UT

Heidi Schubert

Co-organizer Josie Johnson Memorial Ride

Board of the Wasatch Mountain Club

1390 S 1100 E #103

Salt Lake City, UT 84105-2443

Jon R Smith

Event Director

Southern Utah National Parks Bicycle Tour

David Hunt

Red Rock Bicycle Club and Mooseknuckler Alliance

982 Anillo Ct

Ivins, UT 84738