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, this isn't the first time we've had to deal with these kinds of incidents in recent months, in a dangerous spiral that continues to grow . Or, at least, if it's not growing exponentially, the mainstream media is paying increasing attention to these accidents, which is appreciated. The way the victim or the driver is treated, however, varies depending on the media outlet.
So, another name to add to our personal blacklist. Another family devastated, pushed to the breaking point, and cycling buddies crushed. And, of course, afraid to ever get back on their bikes. Because we've all thought at some point, 'Will I be next?' It's tough, but it's true. I don't think that happens with other sports that are widely practiced.
To the personal, human, and familial tragedy is added the subsequent 'tragedy of justice' suffered by the cycling community. Because in most accidents (which in many cases constitute outright homicides), the sentences or penalties imposed are nowhere near commensurate with the damage caused . It's sad, but true: killing cyclists is very cheap in this country. But at Bikefriendly, we believe that all is not lost, especially if the cycling community organizes to fight for its rights and demands something as simple as it is necessary: a fair law that allows these types of accidents to be judged with a minimum of guarantees and real legal consequences for those responsible (traffic laws, by the way, that we must be the first to respect. Otherwise, how can we demand respect?).
In this regard, it is essential to acknowledge the tremendous work Anna González is doing on behalf of all cyclists . Her husband was hit by a hit-and-run truck, leaving him dead on the road. As she tells us, "the driver was arrested a few hours after the accident and released on bail. The investigating court ruled it a minor offense (a misdemeanor), and with the reform of the penal code (misdemeanors were decriminalized), the case was dismissed, going to civil court. I appealed to the Provincial Court, which ruled that it should proceed through the criminal courts. They accepted the charge of manslaughter but not the charge of failure to render aid, as Óscar died instantly."
“In my case ,” Anna continues, “thanks to not giving up and continuing to appeal, I can pursue the criminal route. But there will be families who don’t have the strength to face this fight in court. That’s why I’m fighting. I want all serious injuries and deaths on the road to be prosecuted criminally. And I want the crime of failure to render aid reformed. I’m waiting for them to tell me the date for the trial. I’ve been waiting for months.”
Since then, Anna has gotten to work (perhaps others should have done so long ago…), creating a campaign on Change.org that has already garnered almost 200.000 signatures and has managed to secure meetings with the main political forces in the Congress of Deputies so that our voice, the voice of cyclists, is heard by those who have the power to change and improve the laws. Let this post serve as a token of our infinite gratitude for her work, and let our words serve as further encouragement to her fight, which is everyone's fight. Only in this way, united, might one day we be able to ride on the road without fear of losing our lives because of some reckless individual. And if we do lose our lives, may the full weight of the law fall upon them.
#ForAFairLaw Author: Víctor Marcos – Communications and Social Media Bikefriendly
