Motorcycle rider hit on Beach Drive

(Photo courtesy Rhonda Porter)
You may have seen police activity related to this in the past half-hour or so: A motorcycle rider has been taken to the hospital after being hit by a van by Jacobsen and Beach Drive. The van took off but police have since found it and the driver. We’re told the motorcyclist was conscious when he was taken to the hospital, and he was taken by ambulance, rather than aid car, which usually indicates not-life-threatening injuries. The road’s open. ADDED 7:44 PM: From “Proud Sister” in the comment section:

One other bit to the story that you didn’t know about is that my little brother Mr. Adam Layman, happened to drive down Jacobsen Rd. at the same time they were trying to get away.

When he saw what had just happened the neighbors motioned for him to follow the van that had fled the scene. He confronted the two guys at the top of Jacobsen. The passenger took off running and the driver said he would be back he just had to go and get some new tires!

So my little brother (a 25yr.old 4th gen. W.S.H.S. grad) followed the driver for about 10 min. and directed the cops to his whereabouts. He’s my hero and I’m so proud of him!!!

Meantime, Jeff sent a photo of the motorcycle, post-crash:

EBill December 30, 2009 (3:08 pm)

Just don’t understand how you hit someone with your car and keep driving. Hope the m/c rider is okay!

Veloslug December 30, 2009 (3:40 pm)

Another 2-wheeler goes down. I think it’s time, and I am certain all will agree that we stop allowing cars on the road.

sunshine December 30, 2009 (3:41 pm)

Does anyone know the make and color of the motorcycle?

Alki Area December 30, 2009 (4:02 pm)

You always have to watch out. The closest I’ve come to being hit on my motorcycle was by a COP pulling out from a drive on Alki and ‘not looking’. Missed me by a few feet but scary. It’s not “just” traditionally bad drivers, but everyone spaces out now and then.

West Seattles Grimiest December 30, 2009 (4:15 pm)

This exact same thing has happened to me before and in west seattle too! hit by a car while on my bike and the driver takes off. hope the m/c rider is OK.

moqui December 30, 2009 (4:21 pm)

I get nervous pulling out into traffic on Beach Drive because parked cars on the street make me have to pull out too blindly in a few locations. I’m a motorcycle rider too, and it makes me really paranoid to have to ride there. It’s a shame, because it’s a beautiful ride.

As my dad told me, “Assume you are invisible on your bike, because you will lose in an accident.” I hope the rider is okay.

Courtney December 30, 2009 (5:44 pm)

Thankfully I know where my motorcycle rider was at the time, however this just makes me sick. Almost every rider I know uses hyper-vigilance and extreme caution because they know they are harder to see – but people in cars need to pay more attention!

And there is ZERO excuse for leaving the scene…

Proud Sister December 30, 2009 (7:04 pm)

One other bit to the story that you didn’t know about is that my little brother Mr. Adam Layman, happened to drive down Jacobsen Rd. at the same time they were trying to get away.

When he saw what had just happened the neighbors motioned for him to follow the van that had fled the scene. He confronted the two guys at the top of Jacobsen. The passenger took off running and the driver said he would be back he just had to go and get some new tires!

So my little brother (a 25yr.old 4th gen. W.S.H.S. grad) followed the driver for about 10min. and directed the cops to his whereabouts. He’s my hero and I’m so proud of him!!! :)

WSB December 30, 2009 (7:43 pm)

“Proud Sister” – thanks. The police were busy at the scene and we were only able to gather the basics – these are the stories that emerge later. Will add this to the main story, too – TR

Westie December 30, 2009 (7:29 pm)

Would love to hear the motorcyclist’s take on this, once he’s up to it. Always good to hear how to be a better rider/driver from those that learned the hard way. Hope he’s doing ok, poor guy.

By the way, as a motorcycle rider that rides to work everyday over the bridge I wanted to say thanks to those West Seattle car driver neighbors of mine that have given me extra room, and looked out for my motorcycle in the dark and rainy commute over the last few years. Thanks!

I. Ponder December 30, 2009 (7:58 pm)

After reading “Proud Sister’s” comment, I now realize I passed that van on my bicycle. It must have just been abandoned when I passed it. I recall it had a flat tire.

Dan\'a December 30, 2009 (11:19 pm)

Every single time I go past Jacobsen, or try to turn on to Jacobsen, there is a car way past the stop sign and into Beach Drive. It is definitely a problem area. Between being way past the stop sign, many times the care is the very center of Jacobsen so there is no way to turn onto it. Jacobsen itself is dangerous because people speed down the street and normally there are cars all parked along the side and out into the street. I hope someone takes a look into how to fix these problems soon.

Alex December 31, 2009 (12:40 pm)

I hope that the driver of the van gets nailed for this… People who are capable of potentially killing another human being then fleeing the scene should at the very least lose their licenses forever.

Cat Woman December 31, 2009 (12:55 pm)

Anyone know how the poor motorcycle driver is doing?

Proud Sister December 31, 2009 (8:35 pm)

He’s in a lot of pain… six broken ribs plus a long list of other serious injuries. :(

Mike January 1, 2010 (1:01 am)

The Guy Who got hit is alive and well at the hospital lucky to be alive and is hurt bad.I would like to talk to and thank Adam Layman if at all possible for his help??? he can reach me at 206-841-0911Mike

Proud Sister January 1, 2010 (1:04 pm)

I will let Adam know Mike.

Cat Woman January 3, 2010 (9:51 am)

I am glad that he is doing well and recovering, although I am sure it will take time for him to have a full recovery after an impact like that. Please let him know that a lot of the Beach Drive neighbors are thinking about him!

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