Reader report: Kindness of strangers

Marilyn sent this to us today:

I was riding my bicycle today and had a nasty fall. I want to say thank you to all the wonderful people that stopped to help me. Linda came right over to help, Brian came from his apartment with bandages etc. And even gave me a ride home. Many others came by to help as well as a police officer, it was just very wonderful how many people cared. So thank you so much to all the wonderful people.

6 Replies to "Reader report: Kindness of strangers"

  • Irukandji July 10, 2008 (9:28 pm)

    Marilyn, I hope you are recovering, and I really appreciate hearing from a gracious bicyclist.

    I was fuming (privately) yesterday having driven from home to Lincoln Park only to see the same bicyclist run red lights TWICE. He did not appear to be a novice – he was in full biking gear. So many demand equal rights for bikes on the road, and a guy like this blows the case.

    It is great to know that there are many in the community who will take action when needed, will help in a crisis. That compassion really makes a difference. Courtesy does matter. Good work Paul and Linda!

  • Christopher Boffoli July 10, 2008 (9:38 pm)

    I had almost totally forgotten until now, but my very first West Seattle experience happened a week after I moved into an apartment downtown. I rode my brand new bike from the Denny Triangle out to Alki Point. I was a block from the lighthouse when I realized my tire was flat. Not knowing anyone in town and far from my apartment, I wasn’t immediately sure what I should do. I locked up my bike and went into the little market that used to be where Cactus is now. A couple of people overheard me tell the clerk that I got a flat and both of them came over to help. One offered me a ride downtown and the other told me about a bike shop at the top of the hill at Admiral and California. I wanted to stay in West Seattle and explore some more so I walked up the hill and had the tire fixed which they did for a few bucks on the spot. I had heard for years about how reticent Seattle people could be so I was surprised to encounter so many kind people.

  • GenHillOne July 10, 2008 (9:42 pm)

    Ouch, that makes me cringe. Get better soon!

  • Marilyn July 10, 2008 (9:58 pm)

    I am doing much better, I did have to go to hospital and get stitches in finger and broken finger, stitches in chin as well. but all in all okay. Thanks for all your concerns and help.
    Marilyn

  • Aaron July 11, 2008 (9:49 am)

    Ouch, no good. Get well soon.

    Re: The Red Light Runner, was he somehow involved in the spill? Running red lights will catch up with him soon enough, and keep in mind that full riding gear does not necessarily indicate experience.

  • GA native July 11, 2008 (2:39 pm)

    Marilyn – I hope you are doing well.

    I also wanted to add my thanks to all the help I received 2 weeks ago after falling/flying off my bicycle at the end of the bike path on Alki but this is the first that I have been able to type as my fall resulted in one sprained and one broken elbow.

    A father and son who were both former EMTs stopped to help and waited while my husband biked back to get the car near the bridge. Residents of the condos brought me a chair, ice, advil and numerous others offered first aid kits or to call 911.

    Thanks to all of the wonderful people in WS!

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