AMARILLO, TEXAS -- ProNews 7 has been telling you about cycling advocate Cindy Whitney. She was tragicilly killed on US 87, just south of Canyon, by a driver not paying attention and reaching for his cell phone on Saturday morning. The 54-year-old was being safe riding with a group of cyclists, practicing for next weeks MS ride when she fell victim to a 24 year old who made one bad decision.
Cindy Whitney was the last bicyclist that anyone would think of when it came to a tragic fatality. She'll be missed tremendously by us and certainly her family her husband Rod, and her daughter. "I think she was matriarch of cycling, the cycling community, and she helped organize many cycling events on and off the bike," said Kenneth Graham from Old Tascosa Cycling and Friend of Cindy's.
With this loss leaves the question of safety amongst motorist and cyclist, and the rules of what to do to be safe on the roads, starting with cell phones. " It's a reminder to all of us if were a bicyclist or not, these tools of communication are wonderful to have, but there hugely addictive and very distractive to motorist. We need to turn them off and put them down," said Kenneth Graham.
Graham also has some rules for bicyclists, stressing the importance of wearing a helmetor riding in a group when out and about on the streets. Graham continued saying, "ride flowing with the traffic, ride in a straight line so motorist know what your intentions are. Use hand signals when changing lanes and making turns."
And for motorists, Graham has some tips for you as well, so both groups can share the highway together accident free. "Pay attention why your behind the wheel, and get to your destinations safely and not have an accident. Put your cell phone down and keep both hands on the wheel as often as you can," said Graham.
