Because we have all thought at some point, 'Will I be next?'
Today is one of those days when it is difficult to get going, turn on the computer, get to work or get on the bike. Because today we woke up, once again, to the tragic news that a cyclist has been hit by a vehicle in the hands of a drunk and drugged driver. And the cyclist, finally, has died.
Unfortunately, it is not the first time that we have had to experience this type of events for a few months now, in a dangerous spiral that never stops growing. Or, at least, if it is not growing exponentially, the general media is increasingly paying more attention to these accidents, something that is appreciated. Another thing is the treatment given to the victim or the driver, depending on what means.
One more name, therefore, to add to our particular black list. A more destroyed family, on the limit, and some collapsed group mates. And, of course, afraid to get back on the bike. Because we have all thought at some point that 'will I be next'? It's hard, but that's how it is. I don't think that happens with other sports widely practiced by the population.
Added to the personal, human and family tragedy is the subsequent 'tragedy of justice' suffered by the cyclist group. Because In the majority of accidents (which in many cases constitute genuine homicides) the convictions or sanctions imposed are not even remotely equivalent to the damage caused.. It's sad, but true, killing cyclists is very cheap in this country. But since Bikefriendly We think that not everything is lost, especially if the cyclist group organizes to fight for their rights and we demand something as simple as it is necessary as a fair law that allows these types of accidents to be judged with a minimum of guarantees and real legal consequences for their citizens. causes (a regulation, traffic regulations, by the way, that we must be the first to respect. Otherwise, how are we going to demand respect?).
En este sentido, It is obligatory to remember the tremendous work that Anna González is carrying out on behalf of all cyclists. Her husband was hit by a hit-and-run truck, leaving him dead in the road. As she tells us, “The driver is arrested a few hours after the accident and released with charges. The investigating court decides that it is a minor imprudence (misdemeanor) and with the reform of the penal code (misdemeanors are decriminalized) the case was archived. Referring to civil means. I appealed to the Provincial Court. Which decides that it must go through criminal proceedings. "They accept the crime of homicide due to recklessness but not the omission of the duty to provide assistance, as Óscar died instantly."
"In my case", Anna continues, “And thanks to the fact that I did not give up and kept appealing, I can go through criminal proceedings. But there will be families who do not have the strength to face this fight in court. Hence my fight. That all serious injuries and deaths on the road go through criminal proceedings. And the reform of the crime of omission of the duty to help. I am waiting for a trial date to be communicated to me. "I've been waiting for months."
Since then, Anna has gotten to work (perhaps others should have done it a long time ago...), creating a campaign on Change.org which has almost reached 200.000 signatures and has managed to sit down with the main political forces in the Congress of Deputies so that our voice, that of the cyclists, is heard by those who have the power to change and improve the laws. This post serves as a token of infinite gratitude for their work and our words as another boost to their fight, which is the of everyone. Only in this way, united, maybe one day we will be able to hit the road without fear of leaving our lives in it. because of some unscrupulous person. And if we let it happen, let the full weight of the law fall on him.
#PorUnaLeyJustaAuthor: Víctor Marcos – Communication and RRSS Bikefriendly
