Comments on: Update: Deadly motorcycle crash on West Seattle Bridge exit to southbound I-5

By: a_sad_friend

a_sad_friend — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 23:02:45 +0000

We lost a great friend and amazing person. I can tell anyone thats wondering, he was a very good person who didnt drive reckless, and it wasn’t a “crotch rocket” just a everyday bike. You will be missed dearly buddy.

By: E

Sat, 30 Aug 2014 11:57:46 +0000

Keeping good thoughts for those families affected. The passenger has a long journey ahead of her and I am keeping her in my prayers and will miss seeing her smiling face in the morning when I grab my coffee.

By: W

Fri, 29 Aug 2014 01:22:25 +0000

I was the last person to say goodbye to them before they took off from the Sodo. I will clarify that neither were intoxicated and both were in good spirits. This is just awful.. I cant believe my ol friend is gone.. RIP J.E.M

By: dhg

dhg — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 21:23:34 +0000

Summer: I don’t think Citizen Sane was trivializing the event. Rather, I take it as a commentary on the manufacturing and marketing of these bikes; that too many people are attracted to them even though they are dangerous to operate. The same old same old here is only to say this is not unusual in the Sport Bike World.

By: WSB

WSB — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 09:01:38 +0000

In reply to summer.

Summer (though I hope you don’t see this, I still have to say it) … I am so sorry for your loss. I wish we had more information, but we don’t – what WSP provided is in the story above (aside from the passenger’s name, which is not something we would usually publish), and that is more than we would know if another agency had investigated. I hope that direct contact with investigators is providing you with anything more you are trying to find out … Tracy

By: bolo

bolo — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 07:31:40 +0000

Citizen Sane,
The diesel fuel spill was along that uphill ramp from ground level up to eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct, near the exit to northbound to Alaskan Way Viaduct 99. If they entered the West Seattle Bridge from that entrance ramp they might have picked up some residual diesel fuel on the tires. If there was any that wasn’t cleaned up last night.
But that would be a long way to that curve onto SB I-5.
Remember that onramp from the bridge to SB I-5 has a 2- lane into 1 merge and often the vehicles on the right (entering from Spokane St./6th Ave. S.) don’t don’t signal or yield even though they have the yield sign.

By: summer

summer — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 03:09:30 +0000

It seems surreal that his death is “same old, same old” to others not in our family. Its odd that the sun should still shine, even. I feel like I’m still holding my breath, I’m not sure what normal is right now, but I’m sure this isn’t it. Death shouldn’t be trivialized, he isn’t even buried yet. I just wanted to see if they knew anything else about the girl, or what could have happened. I shouldn’t have looked here. Thank you for your prayers.

By: Citizen Sane

Citizen Sane — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 22:07:27 +0000

Nomothete, I thought the diesel spill was on the on-ramp to 99; that would put it at a different location. I could be wrong, but I’m betting it was a Sport Bike. They are very popular with younger, less experienced riders ‘coz they give you more HP for the buck than pretty much any other ride out there. They are powerful and very light; a tricky combo in inexperienced hands.
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Also, the position of the pillion rider on those bikes can be a real problem, they seem to ride a bit higher than the driver, and this *could* throw the CG and handling wayyyy off.
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But, at the end of the day, I’m guessing they were just going too damn fast for the conditions. Sad, but unfortunately ‘same old, same old’ in Sport Bike world.

By: nomothete

nomothete — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 21:11:51 +0000

I’m with Jim and curious if residual diesel from the spill contributed to the rider losing tire grip in the corner. If there was still diesel on the shoulders of tires it could have been a factor going into any curve.

By: Robert

Robert — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 20:53:24 +0000

There is that motorcycle safety sign facing EB traffic right before the ramp…

By: Diane

Diane — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 19:50:45 +0000

does anyone have more info about the motorcycle stunt riders in West Seattle? a couple weeks ago, I was driving north on California from the junction late at night, and a stunt rider came racing up behind me doing wheelies; scared the hell out of me; I managed to pull over to let him pass; then again last week, late at night, they were doing same thing heading east just past the Admiral junction, racing, doing wheelies; is this one group that does this all over WS, or a new fad by multiple stunt riders?

By: datamuse

datamuse — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 19:31:16 +0000

Countersteering is also done on bicycles. It’s a good way to navigate around sudden obstacles, such as a car turning into your path. On a motorcycle it’s useful for sudden swerves or navigating turns at high speeds. If you’ve ever ridden a bike and have leaned into a turn, particularly at high speed, you’ve probably countersteered without realizing it.
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This is a pretty good video that explains what it is and how to do it.
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Very sad to read about this crash.

By: BlairJ

BlairJ — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 18:46:39 +0000

MLW,
A hands-on motorcycle class is the best way to reduce your risk. Do a search for “Motorcycle Safety Foundation”, and then enter your zip code under “Find a Course Near You”. I cringe when I see bike riders failing to practice the basic survival skills taught in the MSF classes.

By: dhg

dhg — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 18:38:51 +0000

I’m thinking a big contributing factor *MIGHT* be the passenger. If he’s not used to having a passenger he might not have calculated the forces necessary to make the curve.

By: drahcir61

drahcir61 — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 18:07:23 +0000

Like the guy who does stunts on his bike … standing on his seat or doing wheelies … while speeding up 16th Ave SW … because it’s always someone else that gets killed.
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And you keep thinking that.