Saturday, April 12, 2008

My Worst Nightmare

Here's a driver who ran a red light and killed a bicyclist in Martin County, FL.


Bicycle safety advocate killed in Hobe Sound crash
By JILL TAYLOR
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Friday, April 11, 2008

HOBE SOUND - Bicycling and bicycle safety were passions for
53-year-old Donald Roseman, who died Wednesday after he was hit by a
truck while trying to cross U.S. 1.

"He was an incredibly safe rider," said friend Brenda Boland. "He was
totally devoted to cycling. It was his passion."

Roseman was such a safety fanatic, he bought pamphlets with his own
money and handed them out. He had served as chairman of the county's
Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee that advises the county's
Metropolitan Planning Organization on bike lanes and paths, sidewalks
and safety for people walking and riding.

He spent much of his time caring for his 86-year-old father, who is
very frail, and often rode at night when he had a little free time. He
was keenly aware of the dangers.

"I guarantee you, if he was riding at night, he was lit up like a
Christmas tree," said Joanie Moore, who took over as chairperson of the
committee when Roseman stepped down to care for his father.

Martin sheriff's deputies are investigating the crash, which happened
at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Seabranch Boulevard.

Friends speculated Roseman was heading back to his father's home in
one of the developments off Seabranch when he was hit by a Dodge Ram
truck driven by Paul Kleinatland, 27, of Stuart.

Kleinatland was heading north and had a red light, but ran through it
when he was distracted by a water bottle that fell on the floor,
deputies reported.

He was cited for the accident and the State Attorney's Office will
likely review the investigation to determine if any criminal charges are
indicated.

Meanwhile, friends say they are planning some kind memorial for
Roseman, but no details have been decided.

Aside from his father, his only other family is a brother who lives
in north Florida, Boland said.

"He was a good, good person," she said.

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