98 Replies to "UPDATE: Bicycle rider killed in collision with driver on Marine View Drive"

• Alki resident December 21, 2023 (6:50 pm)

  Please update if possible. I know many people in Arbor Heights and surrounding area. Praying he makes it. 

  • WSB December 21, 2023 (6:54 pm)

    Soon as I hear back what my partner finds out at the scene; will also be pinging SFD for official evaluation of the victim’s condition during transport to Harborview.

    • Jeremy December 21, 2023 (7:13 pm)

      Just as a note to people who live up that way. The road is blocked and inaccessible at that point. 

    • Alki resident December 21, 2023 (7:57 pm)

      Thank you, it’s Christmas and this is just so devastating for someone’s family. Our community can do a meal train or gofundme, easily. Just say when

• Kt December 21, 2023 (7:08 pm)

  People drive way too fast on that road.  I stopped walking there.  Too dangerous.

• Foop December 21, 2023 (7:15 pm)

  This is a common bike route. Our roads are far too dangerous and drivers too distracted and reckless lately.

  • EJ December 21, 2023 (8:13 pm)

    Common cycle route? There is hardly even a shoulder, let alone a bike lane. With the sharp curves and poor lighting, I’m always terrified I’m going to round a corner to a bicyclist creeping along up the hill. It’s straight up not a good place for bicyclists to ride. Not victim blaming, it’s just not a good place for cars and bikes to co-exist.

    • Colby December 21, 2023 (9:57 pm)

      Very common route for cyclists, specifically going to Arbor Heights from Lincoln Park/ Ferry Dock. There are no other bike routes from those areas going south. 

      • Lola December 22, 2023 (7:16 am)

        Colby,  there are plenty of other routes to go instead of up Marine View Dr.  This is such a dangerous road and not a very wide one at that.  Many sewer drainage ditches.  As a driver I am always afraid I will be forced off into one of these ditches, I can’t imagine Biking up and down these hills. They do have other options of going up the hill towards 35th to make it to Arbor Heights.  Especially in winter, I would only attempt this hill during daylight hours if I was a biker, but just my opinion. we do all have to watch out for each other especially in the Winter. 

        • Colby December 22, 2023 (10:44 pm)

          Lola, what are the other options?Barton – grates, gravel, parked cars, buses 44th – steep, narrow, blind curves/drivesThose are the only other options. All three have their own risks. Even the SDOT bike map shows this area is a void of biking infrastructure. 

    • Foop December 21, 2023 (10:38 pm)

      Please see my comment about the roads being too dangerous, and you are subtlety victim blaming. If you’re in a car it is your responsibility to drive safely for conditions, if there’s not a lot of space and windy roads and it’s dark; you should slow down. People live, walk, and bike here.

      • Citizen Sane December 23, 2023 (6:25 am)

        Agreed. The speed limit there is 25 mph. I find it hard to believe tragedies like this would happen if drivers were more conscientious about respecting the communities they’re driving through and obeyed the laws.

    • M December 22, 2023 (7:53 am)

      Yes it is a common cycling route.  I have lead dozens of club rides up that hill. I also do hill intervals up that hill. I have biked Marine View drive hundreds of times.

    • rpo December 22, 2023 (1:46 pm)

      This road is one of the roads I bike on the most when I lived by Alki. Tons of cyclists use it.

  • East Coast Cynic December 21, 2023 (10:30 pm)

    Re roads being too dangerous and drivers too distracted and reckless, that’s been a problem for a long time and is the reason why I will never bike in the city.  I’ve heard too many anecdotes of bikers getting side swiped and seriously injured by cars such that I would never want to put myself at such a risk.

• AlkiCyclist December 21, 2023 (7:25 pm)

  We need barriers and protection along our main cycle routes. Until we get that we will continue to have cars killing people on bikes.

  • Alki resident December 21, 2023 (8:22 pm)

    There’s no place for barriers on MVD. You hardly have space to walk the little path up the way..

    • Jort December 22, 2023 (10:12 pm)

      No, there’s space, we just give it to the cars instead of anybody else. But there’s plenty of space. 

• M December 21, 2023 (8:40 pm)

  Praying for his recovery.

• Chelle December 21, 2023 (8:42 pm)

  I was a witness to it. Unfortunately it was both at fault in my opinion. The cyclist only had a small headlamp on and was traveling down the hill much too fast. The driver in the automobile made a left turn and clearly didn’t see the cyclist. It is an all around sad situation. At least two people’s lives are dramatically different now. I’m sending out positive thoughts for the cyclist to pull through this. 

  • WarOnCars December 22, 2023 (5:11 am)

    That sounds like it was entirely the driver’s fault. If you’re turning onto a street, you have the least right-of-way and must ensure you are clear to go. A single headlamp is still visible, at least when I drive. The eyesight and health of the driver need to be taken into account. Too many folks that don’t have the health to drive are on the roads, but being the biggest voting block means people will continue to die for their privilege.

  • Brian December 22, 2023 (6:01 am)

    Chelle, I’m so sorry you witnessed this and hope you’re doing okay. I have been a frequent cyclist both up and down this hill. Both directions are so problematic that I’ve altered my route one block east to 44th Ave SW. It is imminently more peaceful and safer for everyone. Note that I’m not blaming either the driver or the rider… no winners in this situation. Just encouraging cyclists to abandon this part of MVD. 

    • Colby December 22, 2023 (9:21 pm)

      Brian, I typically take 44th downhill and MVD up. I will say I’ve had more close calls on 44th as it has more of an incline, narrower (cars tend to drive in the middle of the road), and some blind curves and drives — specifically that right turn at the bottom of the hill. Using Barton is another option, but it also has a lot of challenges (grates, gravel, parked cars, buses, etc.). Overall, not a lot of great options south of the ferry dock. We all just need to share the road and watch out for each other. 

  • Joe Z December 22, 2023 (9:34 am)

    I’m not following, can you specifically write out the part that the cyclist did wrong? 

  • Kathy December 22, 2023 (9:53 am)

    Doesn’t assigning fault depend on the right of way? Who had the right of way? “Didn’t see someone” doesn’t excuse you from fault if you don’t have the right of way.  What is “too fast” for a cyclist? If they were exceeding the speed limit, many people driving cars also exceed the 25 mph speed limit on Marine View Drive. Drivers must be alert and cede right of way to all road users, not just other cars. As a cyclist and a driver, I encourage all road users to follow the speed limit so it is easier to brake when someone makes a mistake and doesn’t see you.

  • rpo December 22, 2023 (11:03 am)

    So the driver was making a left turn from 46th onto Marine View? That’s practically a 180 degree turn with very little visibility looking up the hill towards where the cyclist was coming. Honestly, left turns there should really not be allowed for safety reasons (for cyclists and other motorists). 

    • Ada December 22, 2023 (10:45 pm)

      I don’t know where it said that. I would guess the driver was coming up MVD (going south) and turned left onto 46th while the cyclist was heading down MVD on the bike.My heart goes out to the victims family and friends. 

  • Molly December 22, 2023 (4:37 pm)

    Steve did that route several times a week. He was always a safe cyclist – he has a radar detector on his bike too. This is horrible news and he did not deserve to die because someone wasn’t paying enough attention. 

  • TM January 3, 2024 (1:32 pm)

    I hope you are providing your witnessing of the collision to the police investigation.  Did the car have a turn signal on ? Regardless the cyclist had the right of way.  End of story. 

• T December 21, 2023 (10:03 pm)

  Unfortunately biker was pronounced deceased 19:18.

  • Molly December 22, 2023 (2:08 pm)

    How do you know? Does anyone know who the cyclist is? This is incredibly upsetting as someone whose husband cycles on the regular on that route, often at night or early morning when it’s dark. 

    • WSB December 22, 2023 (2:23 pm)

      I have to date NOT been able to confirm this. SFD’s involvement ends when the patient arrives at the hospital; Harborview tells me (as is generally the case) they can’t look up a patient’s condition without a name; and SPD was going to see if maybe an officer who investigated knew, but had to wait until their shift started. If the rider did die, there’s a small chance he’d be on the Medical Examiner’s daily list, sent later in the afternoon, but turnaround is not often that fast. – TR

  • Arbor Heights / Fauntleroy Resident December 22, 2023 (2:22 pm)

    That’s horrible news. My heart goes out to the victim, his family and friends. Another factor that may have played a part in this terrible accident may have been all of the fog we’ve been getting. Visibility has been terrible lately – particularly when there’s no sunlight. 

    • Gatewood Rsd December 22, 2023 (2:58 pm)

      There was no fog last night. It was a beautiful day and night. 

• Traffic thresholds December 22, 2023 (1:49 am)

  improve the speed humps on MVD.  Traverse distance of 12 feet spanning full width of road and elevate to 4” In series down MVD around to 35 Ave. close calls walking my dog down this street, especially in the summer. Sad

  • Tae December 22, 2023 (11:16 pm)

    4″ speed humps spanning full width of road would be dangerous esp for downhill cyclists. Talk about accidents…

• Meeeee December 22, 2023 (8:17 am)

  If there were life-threatening injuries why was SPD’s major accident investigation team not called out?Has their protocol changed for when they will respond?

• Molly December 22, 2023 (8:35 am)

  I really hope this isn’t an AVC member, or the HPC cycling club members. My husband is friends with a number of cyclists in west Seattle and he travels this route constantly – the hills are some of his favorite. If anyone knows the cyclists name, please let us know. 

• Another One December 22, 2023 (12:58 pm)

  Oh no. What terrible news. 

• Ant December 22, 2023 (1:02 pm)

  Horrible outcome for so many people. May I suggest for cyclist needing to take MVD to instead cut up 44th to 43rd as it’s a very quiet residential route. It is steeper but much less traffic. 

• WSB December 22, 2023 (3:41 pm)

  We do now have confirmation that the rider died. I’m adding his ID to the story above.

• Alki resident December 22, 2023 (3:55 pm)

  Looks like he lived right in Arbor Heights. I’m so sorry 

• Alki resident December 22, 2023 (3:58 pm)

  I’m just realizing he’s my old neighbor. I’m devastated. 

• HS December 22, 2023 (4:11 pm)

  My condolences to Mr. Hulsmans loved ones. And to the driver. I wasn’t witness but this sounds like a terrible accident.

• Molly December 22, 2023 (4:23 pm)

  Steve was one of my husbands best cycling friends. He met me and told me how lucky I was. He was one of the kindest, sweetest people I have heard of. This is devastating 

• JK December 22, 2023 (4:36 pm)

  He was a pillar of the cycling community and one of the most genuinely caring people I have ever met. This was near his home.  I am crushed.

• Molly December 22, 2023 (4:39 pm)

  God, Steve was one of the real ones. One of my husbands closest friends. This is devastating 

  • sueTheCityToProtectCitizens December 27, 2023 (10:37 am)

    My sincere condolences.When you are strong enough after this ordeal, let me know if you want to sue the city for allowing this to happen. Where I’m from, investigations about street design will happen and chicanes or other safe measurements will be built to decrease speeding and increase safety by increasing visibility. Seems like the only way to get US politicians to do their job is to sue them so here’s my email in case you want support: zenitramaximilian at gmail.

• Molly December 22, 2023 (4:55 pm)

  This is the worst news I have received. Just this morning I had been telling my husband to bring something back from our vacation for Steve because he was one of those few in a lifetime friends who is always in a great mood and always being kind. 

• This is sad December 22, 2023 (5:13 pm)

  I bike this road all the time. Drivers there do not respect cyclists. Be careful everyone 

• Pat Hunter December 22, 2023 (5:20 pm)

  I didn’t know Steven, but I am a frequent West Seattle cyclist – and I stumbled upon what looks like a group ride organized by him tomorrow.  If it wasn’t my youngest daughter’s first birthday, I’d be there to show honor and solidarity with him.https://cascade.org/rides-events/hills-west-coast/82820

  • Molly December 22, 2023 (8:17 pm)

    Yes, this was Steve’s common route on Saturdays. He loved the hills in west Seattle. He, Denis, John and many of the other HPC members would often meet up and have fun doing this ride. My husband is sad to miss the ride as we will be flying back, but others will be doing it in Steve’s honor. 

• WiseWoman December 22, 2023 (7:12 pm)

  Very sad. My condolences to his family. With the fog and the wet slick roads and darkness on that curvy road it is quite dangerous. 

• First there December 22, 2023 (7:34 pm)

  I was the first person on the scene seconds after the accident. My heart goes out to Steve’s family, his friends, and the biking community. This is truly tragic. While what I’m about to write will not provide much solice for his family, everyone needs know that there were many people that did everything they could to help save Steve’s life. I need to acknowledge the driver. While he still walks with us, he will carry this with him the rest of his life. He immediately went to Steve’s side and did all he could to help while we were communicating with 911. Not more than three minutes after the accident, an off duty Skyway fireman pulled over, rushed to the scene and took control. He was incredible, calm and professional with Steve until EMS, SFD and SPD arrived. They were quick to stabilze him and rush him to Harborview. When I read that Steve passed my heart sank to my toes. I’m so sorry for everyone that is affected.

  • Alki resident December 22, 2023 (8:41 pm)

    Thank you for being able to help Steve . He was an incredibly nice guy with a genuine smile ear to ear. He lived blocks from this tragedy which makes it even more heartbreaking for his family. He was my neighbor many years ago, his family is still at the same house I met them at. I will go to the house tomorrow and see about starting a meal train. Prayers for the driver, he will never be the same. 

  • One Brother December 22, 2023 (9:28 pm)

    Thank you for the facts First there and Alki resident. One Brother 

  • Joseph..one brother December 22, 2023 (10:19 pm)

    Please contact me. 

• Rest in Peace December 22, 2023 (8:09 pm)

  Steve was one of the genuinely good humans in our community; kind, funny, generous, always willing to help. He was also a very experienced cyclist and rode on the cautious side. This is a tragedy. We are heart broken. Please honor his memory by being kind to one another.  

  • One Brother December 22, 2023 (9:23 pm)

    Thank you One Sister.I may place a cross and flowes tonight…..Heartbroken….Rest Peacefully my Brother, as you ride on!One Brother.

    • Joseph..one brother December 23, 2023 (1:35 am)

      Love for my Brother, my siblings, my Sister in Law and Family, Niece spouse and Steves Grandchild, Nephews,  and their loved ones. I love You Steven! 

• One Sister December 22, 2023 (8:41 pm)

  Please do … Be kind to one another. Assignment of blame is not useful or helpful. First There … Thank you for your firsthand detailed account of my brothers last moments in life. You give me hope for humanity.Our family’s loss of Steven is tragic! He was brother, husband, father, nephew, uncle, grandfather and dear and loyal friend. He leaves a gaping hole in the fabric of not only his family, but the entire cycling community, his work community and on. His great spirit will be so missed.Drive safely, ride safely and please, ride on. Steven would want you to ride on … He did.

  • Molly December 22, 2023 (9:14 pm)

    One sister- absolutely ride on. I truly only met Steve one time when he came to my house to drop something off for my husband that he had borrowed. But the way my husband always talked about Steve let me know how absolutely amazing of a person he was. My husband said it best- there’s no one else like Steve. He was a genuine once in a lifetime person. I am so sorry for your loss, and for his wife and son. I know that his son especially may have difficulty in this situation. I cannot believe this happened so close to his home. I can’t even believe this happened to a person who meant so much to my husband, in the area they loved to cycle the most. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for his wife and son. 

• Carol December 22, 2023 (10:13 pm)

  My dear brother-in-law, Steve, you’ve been part of my life for more than half my years!  My husband and I are truly in shock, and can’t fathom how we will deal with your loss.  But most of all, I am grieving for my dear sister, my two nephews, and niece.  We are here for you all.  With love.

• C December 22, 2023 (10:16 pm)

  My heart aches with this sad news. Steve was an extremely
  experienced cyclist and had a positive impact on so many people. I am truly saddened
  to hear this news and my heart goes out to his family and many friends. Steve, you
  will be missed, but the memories will live on. 

• One Sister-in-Law December 22, 2023 (10:38 pm)

  Steve was my brother-in-law for over half my years on this earth.  Both my husband and I are unable to fathom his death at this point.  Most of all, we grieve for my dear sister, Steve’s wife, and for their kids, my two nephews and niece.  Thank you to everyone who has responded in love and concern.

  • D-Mom December 23, 2023 (8:17 am)

    I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Steve, but it sounds like he was one of my Arbor Heights neighbors. It makes me very sad for all involved and the cycling community. The tears came when I saw he had a group ride planned after his death. My heart goes out to you all, driver included. 

  • Liz Hernandez December 23, 2023 (9:19 am)

    Dear SIL, I am so very sorry for your family’s loss.  Steve was such a presence in our Arroyo neighborhood going up and down our hill many times in a row.  I was always impressed by his commitment to his cycling, on beautiful days and not he was out there!  He was always so friendly and quick to smile or wave, or stop to chat on nice days, he once brought us tubulars from his garden, that have been growing in mine ever since.  May in rest in peace riding the highways in heaven.Keeping you all in my prayers!Liz and Randy H

• Matthieu December 22, 2023 (11:46 pm)

  I am so sorry for Steve’s death, like many cyclists I have been down Marine view drive and cut off a few times by drivers turning left. I would not be surprised if this is what happened.  As for people who suggest another safe route, sorry it doesn’t exist, just drive carefully 

• Rhonda December 23, 2023 (12:32 am)

  I don’t think there’s a worse place to make a left turn anywhere in Seattle than from 46th SW to MVD. I hate even making a right turn from 46th SW to MVD as my neck isn’t as flexible as it used to be. Left turns should be forbidden there after this tragic crash.

• Joseph..one brother December 23, 2023 (2:50 am)

  My Condolences to my Family and Extended Family….. beyond expressing….May Steven’s Spirit Ambush us All, often, providing comforting memories and laughter. How Far and what vertical today? I love you Brother.

• Dan S. December 23, 2023 (5:59 am)

  There has also been an outpouring of grief for Steve and his family from other cyclists in an HPC (High Performance Cycling) e-mail thread. Steve set the bar high in so many ways. What will we do without him?

• Another Sister-in-Law December 23, 2023 (8:03 am)

  Sincere gratitude to everyone who took action to help my brother-in-law Steve and to all who have compassionately commented here. Our family is so incredibly heartbroken. This is a devastating loss to many. 

• Bikes are people too December 23, 2023 (8:34 am)

  From his Strava (fitness tracking) account : 71,840 miles to date, 5,969 miles this year with over 470 hours on the bike this year.I would postulate that this gentleman knew what he was doing and how to ride in traffic. 

• Theo J December 23, 2023 (9:08 am)

  Thanks Joseph and sisters of Steve,I’ve been spreading the sad news among the Johnsons and other long time friends of your whole family.Steven truly was and is a Being /soul of great light and buoyancy.peace to the whole family, I’’ll look for the when and where  of the memorial funeral-hope to see you all there.Theo J

• Admiral-2009 December 23, 2023 (9:29 am)

  This was a Tragic Accident by all accounts.  

• Don Brubeck December 23, 2023 (9:37 am)

  Condolences to Steve Hulsman’s family. What a tragic loss of life. Everyone driving, please take great care to watch for people walking and biking.

• John Redenbaugh December 23, 2023 (2:32 pm)

  It has been devastating to learn of Steve’s untimely passing; gone way too young. My wife and I have been blessed to have had Steve and his wife as friends for many, many years. Steve was a one of a kind soul; he will be greatly missed. 

• Ryan December 23, 2023 (5:08 pm)

  I am very sad to hear this news. I moved to Seattle 4.5 years ago and spent the summer of 2019 riding with HOWC. My fitness level was a bit below what was ultimately needed to ride with the group but Steve was very welcoming to me and always made me feel welcome and included. This is a tragedy and my heart goes out to all of Steve’s family and friends.

• Kersti Muul December 24, 2023 (7:36 am)

  He was also hit this spring on MVD. Hit and run, bike was totalled but he escaped ok….Tragic for both involved 

• alkistu December 24, 2023 (11:32 am)

  Very sad news again.  Condolences to Steve’s family and cycling fiends.  Drivers take care for others and cyclists make your self very, very visible day and night. Expect mistakes to occur.

• Matthew Peloza December 24, 2023 (5:19 pm)

  I’m so sorry to hear of this accident. I live in the upper Arroyos and started noticing Steven out riding his loop while on walks in the hood back in 2020. I’m sad that I never got to meet Steven other then saying “hello” as he wizz’ed pass me on his way down to Arroyo beach on his standard route. 45th and Marine View Drive are rough. No shoulder and lots of traffic, plus the fast moving ferry traffic in the mornings and afternoons. If you’re going to ride that way, please skip 45th and MVD and use 44th Ave. 

• DL December 25, 2023 (1:31 am)

  This is so sad. I’m so sorry for his family and all who knew him. He clearly lived not far from us. I just wanted to update that someone put a « ghost bicycle »  on that corner. We need speed bumps on 102nd  all the way to Marine View Dr. 

  • WSB December 25, 2023 (1:51 am)

    Thanks for mentioning that. We’ll photograph it today.

  • Alki resident December 25, 2023 (11:49 pm)

    This wasn’t a speed issue and this had nothing to do with 102nd either. I raised my kids in Arbor Heights and putting speed bumps in every street makes no sense ever. 

    • WestSeattleBadTakes December 26, 2023 (12:24 am)

      Speed bumps are absolutely not the solution. A fundamental shift in how our streets and roads are designed, with safety for all modes of travel in mind, is the only solution.

      Anything less would be failing the memory of Steven Hulsman.

• Speed Humps Indeed December 26, 2023 (2:38 am)

  Yes to speed bumps down 35th. around, up & over MVD. Most everyone, including bicyclists, need to slow down. Saw an elder woman nearly get hit by a car while checking her mailbox.  Now this!?  Hello new council members…the ghost bike is a beautiful gesture of remembrance. 

• anonyme December 26, 2023 (9:12 am)

  Speed bumps make streets more dangerous, IMO, especially in areas with few sidewalks – like Arbor Heights.  I’ve almost been hit several times while walking when drivers swerved onto the shoulder to avoid them.  Much of Marine View Dr. in Arbor Heights is really unsafe for either walking or cycling.

• Ingrid Salmon December 26, 2023 (11:22 am)

  I worked with Steve at the Washington State Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water. Steve’s selflessness as a civil servant, his helpfulness as a colleague and kindness as a friend will never be forgotten. I am in shock that he is gone. You are in my prayers, Rita and family. Love from Ingrid 

• Sophia P December 26, 2023 (5:46 pm)

  This is heartbreaking.  I’ve worked with Steve for over 16 years in the Office of Drinking Water.  He was an amazing colleague, dedicated and passionate about protecting public health.  He wasn’t just driven about work, but also thoughtful for his colleagues, always ensuring  his gratitude and appreciation for us and lifting our spirits.  Like Ingrid, I’m in shock.  I think the world of Steve.  My heart goes out to Rita and his whole family.  Love & hugs – Sophia 

• bradley December 26, 2023 (7:40 pm)

  KING5 is reporting that SPD is investigating this as a fatal hit and run.  I thought the comments here have said that the driver stayed and was trying to help the cyclist.  The K5 report was mostly calling out safety needs over the details of the accident, but the “hit and run” was different.

  • WSB December 26, 2023 (8:12 pm)

    No idea how they came up with that. They did not cover this incident the day it happened, and their story from today is kind of a jumble overall. I checked with SPD today and while they didn’t have much to say, they did not indicate any wrongdoing was being investigated. – TR

    • bradley December 27, 2023 (3:13 pm)

      They’ve totally modified it, as I would guess someone called them out on that reporting.”While the Seattle Police Department has not released details about the crash, initial investigation listed the incident as a hit-and-run.”“KING 5 has filed a request with Seattle Police Department for all records connected to this crash and will report on what the department determined was the cause of the incident upon completion of its investigation. “Somewhat careless reporting.  All they had to do was read the comments on your story.

    • Colby December 27, 2023 (5:16 pm)

      I think they (King 5) took the info from both the Seattle Bike Blog and comments here, that mentioned this past spring Steve was hit going up the hill. In that instance, it was a hit and run. 

      • WSB December 27, 2023 (5:48 pm)

        My other guess is that someone there was confused by the Tweets By Beat verbiage, which applies sometimes-clunky categorizing to calls. If they don’t work with TBB daily (which I do), they wouldn’t know that “mvc (includes hit and run)” is the categorization for almost every mvc (motor vehicle collision), regardless of whether it was or was not a hit and run.
        https://twitter.com/Seattle_PDW3/status/1738025083829178853

        Other clunky categories in TBB include “casualty – dead body” when it may be something no more nefarious than a person found dead of natural causes at their home.

• Connie Sanders December 26, 2023 (9:17 pm)

  Such horrible and shocking news to learn of Steven’s passing!  I had the privilege to know Steve since elementary school and the kind, funny, humble, smart, curious, driven man so many have described was all those things and so much more even all those years ago.  Our families have know each other since the 60’s, and I was once a part of the Hulsman family;  I feel like I have lost another brother and can’t imagine this loss for Rita and Steve’s children and grandchild.  My sincerest condolences to the entire Hulsman family.  My Wiese siblings will want to know.  Sending love to you all.

• Kathy December 27, 2023 (1:48 pm)

  Can we address issues of road lighting?  I don’t know about the lighting at the site of this collision, but generally speaking, many of our streets are so dark that it makes it very difficult to see people walking and biking at night. No, people walking and biking should not have to change their wardrobe to be seen, although it is a good idea to carry lighting or something reflective when walking and biking in the dark. Add to the mix, many boomers still driving like me have diminished night vision. I do my best now to avoid driving and biking in the dark although it’s not easy to do with these long winter nights.

• Jay December 27, 2023 (11:51 pm)

  The victim blaming here is appalling. The cyclist had proper lights and followed the law according to witnesses. But all of his neighbors are quick to point out how he deserved to die.

• Craig December 30, 2023 (1:13 pm)

  Condolences to the driver? Assignment of blame is not useful? An accident? First off, this was not an accident . It was a collision caused by human error, either on the part of the driver or the cyclist. Now, how many here have known anyone who killed a pedestrian or cyclist with their car or truck? I have. They didn’t seem to have a very hard time rationalizing it as some here appear to be already doing for the driver in this case who may or may not have been at fault. There is an entrenched view that the roads are for motor vehicles and if a human without a steel cage around him/her ventures there, they are to blame for whatever happens to them. Seattle doesn’t appear to be alone in this view either: https://www.azfamily.com/2023/11/30/suspect-deadly-goodyear-cycling-crash-wont-face-felony-charges-county-attorney-says/  And thus associated failure to assign blame to motorists who kill pedestrians and cyclists is a big part of the reason the deaths of pedestrians and cyclists are increasing. Why should drivers pay attention to their driving or worry about speed limits when there are little or no consequences for the failure  to do so? Granted, it is entirely possible the driver here is wholly innocent, but as a cyclist who has been forced to make many panic stops and had many close calls in avoiding drivers who pulled out in front of me when I was doing 20 to 30 mph, I have to wonder. The general view of motorists, if they are looking at all and even notice a cyclist, seems to be that motorists always have the right of way, and thus cyclists need to avoid them and not the other way around. I feel for Steve’s family here. It’s hard to get closure after something like this in a society dominated by motonormativity. 

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