As if I'm not already constantly on alert while in the midst of my 14-mile-per-day bike commute, one route that I use quite a bit contains a new memorial which is a scary reminder of just how deadly road cycling can be.

On Oct. 21st of this year, 20-year-old Liza Whitacre was run over by a truck on Damen and Wellington.  Nearly every day, I pass a white bike, with a wreath around it, on the northwest corner of that intersection - a tribute to Whitacre.  (I'll upload photos when I can, having some tech. difficulties with my camera phone...)

The entire official account of the accident can be found here, as it was reported to the Chicago Breaking News Center (Tribune Co.).  Now, from what I can tell, by reading the item, it seems to have been an accident, with the victim and her friend likely trying to pass the Damen #50 bus on the left, squeezing in between the bus, and other traffic headed the same direction.

The friend make it through, but according to the article, the victim fell off her bike, was underneath the truck, which didn't see her, and ran her over.  Because no charges were filed, it it possible that the entire situation was indeed, an accident-- yet not being there, and not seeing any detailed witness accounts in the story, I am hesitant to make any judgement whatsoever on the actions of the drivers, or the cyclists, in this case.

Neverthless, when I ride past the white memorial bike, which is often surrounded by flickering candles in the evenings, I do take an extra moment to think about my safety.