Hays County grand jury clears man in cyclist's death
10:33 PM CDT on Wednesday, June 13, 2007
By SHELTON GREEN
KVUE News
A decision by a Hays County grand jury is enraging a community.
Click here for item: http://www.kvue.com/news/top/stories/061307kvueraymond-bkm.4574b756.html
A Hays County grand jury has cleared a man who hit and killed a cyclist in Dripping Springs. An investigator with the Texas Department of Public Safety says the driver broke two traffic laws in the process, but he was never charged or even ticketed. Some are now saying the jury’s decision send out the wrong message.
Members of the cycling community in Hays County say the jury’s decision sends out the message that it’s okay to kill a cyclist, even when you break the law.
But their frustration pales in comparison to a widow who’s now a single mom.
Libby Raibestein
Adam Raymond
“I’m just stunned and angry and disappointed,” said Libby Raibestein. “It’s been very, very hard on all of us, not just my husband’s family, but my family.”
For the past several months, it’s been a mixed bag of emotion for Libby. Her husband, Austin optometrist Adam Raymond, was three weeks away from being deployed to Iraq when the unexpected happened.
Raibestein and her husband moved outside of Dripping Springs a few years ago from South Carolina because of the vast cycling community. The 36-year-old rode at least three times a week, going 20-30 miles on each ride.
Specifically he would ride out in that area on those back roads to avoid traffic.
According to DPS, on March 23, Raymond was riding his bike south in the 1800 block of Mount Gainor Road when he was struck by a pick-up driven by Bradley Danz. An investigator says Danz, who was heading north on the road, crossed into the other side of the road and hit Raymond head-on. DPS estimates Danz going 51 m.p.h. in a 30 m.p.h. speed zone.
“I think he should be held accountable,” said Raibestein. “I'm not asking for Mr. Danz to go to jail, rot in jail, but he could do something to help educate, he could do community service.”
A Hays County grand jury cleared Danz of any wrongdoing last week.
“The grand jury has made a decision in this case, and whether or not I agree with it is not relevant. The grand jury has spoken and we will respect their decision,” said Hays County District Attorney Sherri Tibbe in a statement.
Tibbe told KVUE that her office is going over other options regarding the driver who killed Raymond, but she wouldn’t specify what those options are.
Bradley Danz had no comment on this story.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Friends of Lovegrove
One of life's greatest pleasures is crafted wine. The Yarra Valley has exceptional wines and among them are the super handcrafted wines of Stephen Bennett at LoveGrove Winery , Cottles Bridge on the Kinglake-Heidelburg Rd between St Andrews and Diamond Creek. Formerly a reknown artists colony and winery with Clifton Pugh in residence, Lovegrove has been producing wines since 1983. This beautiful vineyard belongs to Stephen and his gorgeous partner Louise , who have been making superb wines at Lovegrove since it became theirs in 1997. Over the years I've been lucky to enjoy the harvest and help with the picking along with other "friends"and "grape-grazers". Lovegrove became a given for me, I have developed a love for this place and its product(s).
On June 1, the Friends of Lovegrove gathered for the revelation of the 2005 vintage, three superb creations from Stephen. (mystery descends now...you will have to go and find out all about them...)
The Vinyard at Lovegrove produces, on average each vintage, around 1000 cases, so it is not "glut & punishment" there unlike some broad acre vineyards elesewhere, but rare, superb varietals. The exemplary item that stirs me is Stephen's traditional methode champenoise "Petillant", a bubbly Pinot - Chardonney of extraordinary complexity, hues and surprises.
Stephen flashes his masterly talent in these rare creations. It's a talent for ensuring his berries are picked at a riskily optimum time ( based on skill, a canny sense and heart) to ensure his wines show the rich full concentrated characteristics of his unique hand and eye have captured from the berries.
Drop in when you can , Lovegrove, it's up past Diamond Creek at 1420 Kinglake Hedelburg Rd. Open weekends and public holidays, the Cellar Door in the towering mud brick "art gallery" is a haven for those seeking unique wines at an extraordinarily good price.
Wine Tasting is the way to go, ( but as always be responsible). Check out their website, http://www.lovegrovewinery.com.au/ and pop in...I am biased, you might have guessed, but coming from Pokolbin/Cessnock in the Hunter, its in my blood and so that's my excuse for giving out info on this secret gem so close to Melbourne...... oh, its also on one of the Yarra Valley/Victoria's most picturesque bike rides up to Kinglake via St Andrew's...do it...you'll be glad you didnt miss it ( the vineyard and the ride!)
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
2007 Ride of Silence
Melbourne Ride of Silence 2007
To honour the memory of riders killed whilst bicycling and to show solidarity for all who seek safe cycling communities across the world.
When: Saturday May 19 at 10am
Where: Federation Square (opp Flinders St Stn , Melbourne CBD)
Length: approx 7klm
Destination: Via CBD, Docklands, Vic Market Precincts to Parliament House and Treasurey Gardens.
Protocol : Quiet solemn,ride two abreast, communicate by road cycling protocols of hand signals and specific words when stopping or required, otherwise minimal talking . Obey all traffic laws and Police directions. Helmets and Road law compliant bicycles compulsory (Vic law)
Who: Everyone who rides a bicycle, Moms, dads, kids, grandparents, friends and supporters. if you can't ride, meet us at Parliament for the chance to say your piece and talk to the media.
Other Rides: ( same day) Bendigo, Sydney, Brisbane (May19), and in 300 cities around the world on May 16.
Not in Melbourne or near a ride? - organise your own :
for guidlines and information:
or contact: Wheels of Justice for some help at:
See you there, bring a friend/s
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Saturday, May 07, 2005
WHEELS OF JUSTICE RIDE A SUCCESS
LATEST NEWS:
Melbourne Wheels of Justice - Media Press Release MAY 6, 2005
Today, Melbourne's cycling community gathered at Federation Square and rode to Parliament House to take part in the national Wheels of Justice rides protesting the lenient sentencing handed down to Adelaide lawyer Eugene McGee.
The ride embarked from Federation Square at 9-30 am to Parliament via Swanston and Bourke streets. Simultaneous rides took place in Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane. Cyclists, and non-cyclists supporting them left water bottles with messages for justice written on them upon the steps of Parliament. Black, Red and Blue armbands were worn for remembrance and symbolism, of death, trauma and hit run cycling victims.
This show of support was for Ian Humphreys’ family and friends, and to protest this appalling travesty of justice.
McGee, a lawyer and a former police officer, was convicted of traffic offences surrounding the death of cyclist Ian Humphrey. Ian, a husband and a father of two, was left on the side of the road to die. McGee received a $3100 fine and 12 months suspension of his driver's licence. In the absence of mandatory sentencing, it seems that, if you’re a well-connected lawyer, killing another road user is only a minor misdemeanour.
Around Australia, this travesty of justice has infuriated cyclists with Wheels of Justice rides held in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane supported by thousands of cyclists from all sectors of Cycling together with concerened communities of fed up Australians . Australian cyclists are sick of being continually treated as second-class citizens, being subjected to road rage and inadequate facilities.
In January 2005 a Melbourne cyclist was killed in hauntingly similar circumstances, in a hit-run incident in Plenty Road, Bundoora. The driver too, fled the scene, only to turn up at a police station with lawyer in tow several hours later.
In 2002 James Donnelly, a university student, died when he was struck from behind by a car driven Phillip Josefski, as he walked home from a party on Canterbury Road, Canterbury. The communities’ outrage concerning this hit run incident directly lead the Victorian Government to increase penalties for leaving a scene increased to 10 years.
Enough is enough! These incidents in South Australia and Victoria only serve to reinforce the idea that walking and cycling are the preserve of strange people on the margins of society, and that the act of cycling on the roads is somehow both an excuse for and an incitement to injury or murder. Together we CAN change this despicable attitude and make the roads safer for ALL road users.
STATEMENT FROM THE HUMPHREY FAMILY
Statement by Grahame Humphrey, (brother of killed cyclist Ian Humphrey)
"I would like to thank all of you for coming out today, and the whole
comunity for their supporty. It is important to remember that today is for
everyone who has lost a loved one and has felt left down by the system.
We have all proven that if we band together as a community and let our
outrage be known we can make a difference. We can change the course of
justice and create a better future." STATEMENT ENDS
Grahame Humphrey - Adelaide - Saturday May7, 2005
INTERNATIONALLY :
Internationally, a world wide RIDE of SILENCE will take place on May 18 at 7pm.
50 cities in the USA have organised rides and Australia is adding its suppport to this solemn memorial ride to honor the lives of cyclists taken by hit run and inattentive motorist. All capital cities, many towns and communities will add their voice and hearts to this occasion. Local rides are organised for Melbourne City and Bayside suburbs and cyclists their families and concerned members of the public will attend.
*****************************************************************************************************************
MELBOURNE WHEELS OF JUSTICE
CYCLISTS FOR MANDATORY SENTENCING FOR HIT & RUN ROAD DEATHS
Email: melbicyclejustice@gmail.com
Webs:
http://www.wheelsofjustice.com.au/
http://bicyclejustice.blogspot.com/
http://www.rideofsilence.org
Melbourne Wheels of Justice - Media Press Release MAY 6, 2005
Today, Melbourne's cycling community gathered at Federation Square and rode to Parliament House to take part in the national Wheels of Justice rides protesting the lenient sentencing handed down to Adelaide lawyer Eugene McGee.
The ride embarked from Federation Square at 9-30 am to Parliament via Swanston and Bourke streets. Simultaneous rides took place in Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane. Cyclists, and non-cyclists supporting them left water bottles with messages for justice written on them upon the steps of Parliament. Black, Red and Blue armbands were worn for remembrance and symbolism, of death, trauma and hit run cycling victims.
This show of support was for Ian Humphreys’ family and friends, and to protest this appalling travesty of justice.
McGee, a lawyer and a former police officer, was convicted of traffic offences surrounding the death of cyclist Ian Humphrey. Ian, a husband and a father of two, was left on the side of the road to die. McGee received a $3100 fine and 12 months suspension of his driver's licence. In the absence of mandatory sentencing, it seems that, if you’re a well-connected lawyer, killing another road user is only a minor misdemeanour.
Around Australia, this travesty of justice has infuriated cyclists with Wheels of Justice rides held in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane supported by thousands of cyclists from all sectors of Cycling together with concerened communities of fed up Australians . Australian cyclists are sick of being continually treated as second-class citizens, being subjected to road rage and inadequate facilities.
In January 2005 a Melbourne cyclist was killed in hauntingly similar circumstances, in a hit-run incident in Plenty Road, Bundoora. The driver too, fled the scene, only to turn up at a police station with lawyer in tow several hours later.
In 2002 James Donnelly, a university student, died when he was struck from behind by a car driven Phillip Josefski, as he walked home from a party on Canterbury Road, Canterbury. The communities’ outrage concerning this hit run incident directly lead the Victorian Government to increase penalties for leaving a scene increased to 10 years.
Enough is enough! These incidents in South Australia and Victoria only serve to reinforce the idea that walking and cycling are the preserve of strange people on the margins of society, and that the act of cycling on the roads is somehow both an excuse for and an incitement to injury or murder. Together we CAN change this despicable attitude and make the roads safer for ALL road users.
STATEMENT FROM THE HUMPHREY FAMILY
Statement by Grahame Humphrey, (brother of killed cyclist Ian Humphrey)
"I would like to thank all of you for coming out today, and the whole
comunity for their supporty. It is important to remember that today is for
everyone who has lost a loved one and has felt left down by the system.
We have all proven that if we band together as a community and let our
outrage be known we can make a difference. We can change the course of
justice and create a better future." STATEMENT ENDS
Grahame Humphrey - Adelaide - Saturday May7, 2005
INTERNATIONALLY :
Internationally, a world wide RIDE of SILENCE will take place on May 18 at 7pm.
50 cities in the USA have organised rides and Australia is adding its suppport to this solemn memorial ride to honor the lives of cyclists taken by hit run and inattentive motorist. All capital cities, many towns and communities will add their voice and hearts to this occasion. Local rides are organised for Melbourne City and Bayside suburbs and cyclists their families and concerned members of the public will attend.
*****************************************************************************************************************
MELBOURNE WHEELS OF JUSTICE
CYCLISTS FOR MANDATORY SENTENCING FOR HIT & RUN ROAD DEATHS
Email: melbicyclejustice@gmail.com
Webs:
http://www.wheelsofjustice.com.au/
http://bicyclejustice.blogspot.com/
http://www.rideofsilence.org
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Australia- Cyclists Ride for Justice-Melbourne May 7
Melbourne's "Ride for Justice-Cyclists" and Angry Public join together in solemn memorial.
Saturday May7, 9-30am leaving Federation Square for Parliament House in Spring Street.
Bring a water bottle with your own "Justice" message on it to leave at Parliament
Ride to call for Justice in memory of the cyclists, police and others killed and injured by hit-run, drunk, and careless motorists.
Ride to raise awareness that Motorists and Cyclists SHARE THE ROAD.
Ride to protest lenient sentencing in Sth Australia for the former Police Prosecutor McGee, turned criminal lawyer who cowardly left Ian Humphries to die on the road after knocking him down, McGee later admitted he had been drinking , but wasn't breath tested and was merely fined and disqualified for driving for 12 months.
Ride to demand more Government action to better educate drivers on rights of cyclists as Road users and for stiffer penalties for those motorists who abuse those rights.
Ride as a warm up for the RIDE OF SILENCE on May 18 at 7pm from Black Rock Clock Tower to Mordialloc and back to St Kilda, an annual Memorial Ride in Silence for all riders killed and injured by motorists in Australia and the USA ( 50cities will ride this year in US) see: http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php
Ride because you care about safe roads for your children and our communities.
Ride to solemnly show you care for the avoidable losses to loved ones through motorist's senseless and too often callous acts.
Ride...
Saturday May7, 9-30am leaving Federation Square for Parliament House in Spring Street.
Bring a water bottle with your own "Justice" message on it to leave at Parliament
Ride to call for Justice in memory of the cyclists, police and others killed and injured by hit-run, drunk, and careless motorists.
Ride to raise awareness that Motorists and Cyclists SHARE THE ROAD.
Ride to protest lenient sentencing in Sth Australia for the former Police Prosecutor McGee, turned criminal lawyer who cowardly left Ian Humphries to die on the road after knocking him down, McGee later admitted he had been drinking , but wasn't breath tested and was merely fined and disqualified for driving for 12 months.
Ride to demand more Government action to better educate drivers on rights of cyclists as Road users and for stiffer penalties for those motorists who abuse those rights.
Ride as a warm up for the RIDE OF SILENCE on May 18 at 7pm from Black Rock Clock Tower to Mordialloc and back to St Kilda, an annual Memorial Ride in Silence for all riders killed and injured by motorists in Australia and the USA ( 50cities will ride this year in US) see: http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php
Ride because you care about safe roads for your children and our communities.
Ride to solemnly show you care for the avoidable losses to loved ones through motorist's senseless and too often callous acts.
Ride...
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