Ok, enough selling out to beverage companies and iphone apps…
There was a serious tragedy in Miami, that was brought to my attention by a loyal reader Stephen.
Sunday, January 17th, 44year old cyclist and family man, Christophe Le Canne, was killed buy a drunk driver on the BearCut Bridge in Miami, Fl, in a heartbreaking hit-and-run.
Here is a report from the tragedy from local cycling blog: Miami Bike Scene.
Cyclist Killed On Rickenbacker Causeway
A male cyclist was killed shortly after 8am this morning by the driver of a silver Volkswagen on the Bear Cut Bridge. The bicyclist was riding in the bike lane heading into Key Biscayne when a motorist fatally struck him and kept on going, witnesses outside La Carreta heard a loud sound and spotted a speeding vehicle dragging a blue Cannondale road bicycle while blowing through a red light about 2.5 miles from where the cyclist was struck. (see map below)
The driver, Carlos Bertonatti, was apprehended by police near his residence in Key Biscayne. A group of cyclists went to where the police were and saw him detained in the back of the squad car. Some witnesses at the scene are saying the driver appeared intoxicated and based on the fatal injuries to the cyclist and heavy damage to the motorist’s vehicle it’s apparent he was exceeding the speed limit.
Below is a photo of cyclists trying to help the victim, a photo of the damaged vehicle, and one of the wrecked bicycle after it was dislodged from underneath the vehicle.
This was an incredible shock to the local biking scene in Miami and immediate call for a memorial ride.
Here are a bunch of videos from last Sunday’s event:
Christophe Le Canne Memorial Ride from rydel high on Vimeo.
Christophe Le Canne Memorial Ride from Mike Marshall on Vimeo.
1-24-10 Christopher Le Canne Memorial Ride from Jesse Hearndon on Vimeo.
Key Biscayne Memorial Ride from MrSunshine561 on Vimeo.
and news stories:
CBS4.com
Miami Herald
and
Miami New Times Blog
The driver of the vehicle, Carlos Bertonatti of Key Biscayne, has been charged with multiple felonies, including DUI manslaughter. Bertonatti, who according to his attorney is a legal U.S. resident born in Venezuela, was released from jail on bail.
There is some discussion of a memorial ride here in NYC to honor Christophe Le Canne, and since the official ride in January was so cold. Stay tuned.
this is absolutely terrible. Im deeply sadden and typing with tears everytime I come across posts like these
(((
[...] Tragedy in Miami [...]
[...] Tragedy in Miami http://www.bikeblognyc.com/tragedy-in-miami/ [...]
This is a chronic occurence in Miami and especially (unfortunately) in that area. It makes me wonder how the hell these drivers get their licenses since they drive bad even when they’re sober. AND this arsehole mislead Homeland security and has various shady passports.
Nice memorial ride but No justice ..yet. This sh_tstain is supposed to go on trial hearing 3/19/2012.
Im sure a lot of cyclist will want to hear what the judges decide on this dirtbag.