OP
@ritchj avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
One of each
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3421
Location: Ranura de Monedas, NorCal
 
Ossessionato
@ritchj avatar
One of each
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Location: Ranura de Monedas, NorCal
UTC quote
One guy who you would have thought and known better.

I hope the Discovery Channel doesn't have him back. Isn't this the guy who would swig Jack D., while taping his show and before operating heavy machinery/welding? Hopefully he didn't give all his money to the flash artist who did his site, and saved some for a good lawyer.

Interesting thought, what if things were reversed; no-name driver takes out 'celebrity.' Lots of mad accountants and doctors.

Passing on double yellow, etc.

Sad


http://www.flatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060905/BREAKINGNEWS/60905003
⚠️ Last edited by ritchj on UTC; edited 3 times
@jridg avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Piaggio BV 250
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Posts: 2348
Location: Alameda, CA
 
Ossessionato
@jridg avatar
Piaggio BV 250
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Posts: 2348
Location: Alameda, CA
UTC quote
I hate this sort of thing........and yes, you would think he should know better. I mean really, what was so important that he had to pass those two cars right then? :?
@chad avatar
UTC

Olivia Newton-John
p200, vbb, gt200, px150, vnb
Joined: UTC
Posts: 4494
Location: chippewa falls, wisconsin
 
Olivia Newton-John
@chad avatar
p200, vbb, gt200, px150, vnb
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Posts: 4494
Location: chippewa falls, wisconsin
UTC quote
that guy is an ass irl. i was at sturgis with our some of our shop crew 2 years ago, and he was throwing empty beer cans at a lady riding a helix and yelling obscenities at her.
@sarah avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Stella
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1937
Location: Seattle, WA
 
Molto Verboso
@sarah avatar
Stella
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Posts: 1937
Location: Seattle, WA
UTC quote
Why were no charges filed? It seems obvious he was in the wrong...I hope they charge him.
@beale avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
None! I sold it :(
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Posts: 3247
Location: Burlington NC
 
Ossessionato
@beale avatar
None! I sold it :(
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UTC quote
Well it will be interesting to see how this plays out. I hate this kinda stuff, really hard to read about, Beale.
OP
@ritchj avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
One of each
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Location: Ranura de Monedas, NorCal
 
Ossessionato
@ritchj avatar
One of each
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UTC quote
For a guy who has interviews posted all over teh internets suggesting he likes Jack D; I'm sure the police waiting on blood tests, and not to see who the father is either.
⚠️ Last edited by ritchj on UTC; edited 1 time
@benito avatar
UTC

Moderator
2010 Dragon Red GTS 300 Super, 2018 Grigio Titanio Piaggio Liberty S 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 16296
Location: Toronto, Canada, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
 
Moderator
@benito avatar
2010 Dragon Red GTS 300 Super, 2018 Grigio Titanio Piaggio Liberty S 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 16296
Location: Toronto, Canada, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
UTC quote
That's absolutely horrible. I hope that guy gets charged.
@tikka avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
07 GTS250ie VCOA#2794
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3193
Location: Philly PA Burbs
 
Ossessionato
@tikka avatar
07 GTS250ie VCOA#2794
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Posts: 3193
Location: Philly PA Burbs
UTC quote
That is horrible. My thoughts go to that poor mans family.

@greasy125 avatar
UTC

Sergeant at Arms
Weird 80's Vespas & Cool Vintage Lambrettas
Joined: UTC
Posts: 14690
Location: The state of insanity, SoCal
 
Sergeant at Arms
@greasy125 avatar
Weird 80's Vespas & Cool Vintage Lambrettas
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Posts: 14690
Location: The state of insanity, SoCal
UTC quote
wow, what terrible news. that is just down right awful about the man riding the moped.

it's so sad when somebody that is as talented and intelligent as billy lane effs up. i guess i just expected more from him...

now, don't get me wrong. i like to drink, i like to build bikes, i like to drive fast too and i'll party just as hard as the next guy or gal-- but i know my limitations. you wanna get hammered; don't drive anywhere. you wanna drive fast; do it on the track.

best,
-greasy
@cfargo avatar
UTC

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Many
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Ossessionato
@cfargo avatar
Many
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UTC quote
He is a murderer. Crossing a double yellow line is no accident.
UTC

Hooked
PX150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 294
Location: Germantown Maryland
 
Hooked
PX150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 294
Location: Germantown Maryland
UTC quote
Just take the S.O.B. out and hang him. He's a murderer.
@ifixjets avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
01 ET2 - 01 ET4 -- 05 GT200L / 05 PX150 / 1986? Honda CH150 Deluxe.
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Posts: 3000
Location: SoCal OC
 
Ossessionato
@ifixjets avatar
01 ET2 - 01 ET4 -- 05 GT200L / 05 PX150 / 1986? Honda CH150 Deluxe.
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Posts: 3000
Location: SoCal OC
UTC quote
That act should be ruled a homicide ! The Laws protect drivers too much here. Driving is not a right, it is a privilage. Too many people get away with murder with a motor vehicle. I hope the mans family can get some restitution.
@addicted avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Consume Less & Share More
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Posts: 3130
Location: New Jersey, USA
 
Ossessionato
@addicted avatar
Consume Less & Share More
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Location: New Jersey, USA
UTC quote
I won't be reading the linked story. The post entries are too disturbing for me. My sincere condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.
@jepone avatar
UTC

Hooked
2005 GT200L
Joined: UTC
Posts: 176
Location: Portland, OR
 
Hooked
@jepone avatar
2005 GT200L
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Posts: 176
Location: Portland, OR
UTC quote
billy LAME - what a flipp'n asshole, and the f*ck the FLORIDA TODAY paper too.
they give it a title of "Chopper builder hurt in fatal crash" what about the rider he murdered.

i hope he pays dearly for this. he should have know the difference.
@cfargo avatar
UTC

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Many
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@cfargo avatar
Many
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UTC quote
I shared my views directly with Billy and The Florida Today Newspaper via emails. I took off the gloves.
UTC

Hooked
Vespa GTS 250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 100
Location: TEXAS
 
Hooked
Vespa GTS 250ie
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Posts: 100
Location: TEXAS
UTC quote
I am so sick of seeing this shit.

Another kindred spirit has fallen.

I'm sure given this mans celebrity that he will avoid a proper reckoning.

And another one of our own is gone...

I feel rage and sadness.
@snowbum avatar
UTC

Addicted
Vespa LX150 (Diamondwhite baby!) 2003 suzuki Savage 650 (Thumper)
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Posts: 581
Location: Oklahoma City, OK USA
 
Addicted
@snowbum avatar
Vespa LX150 (Diamondwhite baby!) 2003 suzuki Savage 650 (Thumper)
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UTC quote
That is crazy, Prayers to the riders family... bring down the idiot driver.

I was working in melbourne about 2 months ago, i took a drive down the A1A in melbourne, and it is a fairly windy 2 lane road along the beach. There is little visibility to pass cars, let alone 2 cars, on a double yellow except in designated areas, he was in the wrong all the way, most of the road is double yellow, and they should throw the book all the way!!!!!! Lots of neighborhoods and condos too along the way. Scooter and bicycle community for sure. May justice be served for the family of the rider.

scott
@irishtim avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2005 Genuine Stella 150, 2008 Genuine Buddy, 2013 Piaggio BV 350, 2014 Piaggio Fly 150 3v
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3836
Location: Cleveland, Ohio US of A
 
Ossessionato
@irishtim avatar
2005 Genuine Stella 150, 2008 Genuine Buddy, 2013 Piaggio BV 350, 2014 Piaggio Fly 150 3v
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3836
Location: Cleveland, Ohio US of A
UTC quote
Another tragic point: How'd you feel if you were the parents of that scum-bucket's 22 yr old passenger? (What do chicks see in A**holes 14 yrs older than them?)
@vespavixen avatar
UTC

Hooked
2006 Vespa LX 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 141
Location: Old Town Pasadena
 
Hooked
@vespavixen avatar
2006 Vespa LX 150
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Posts: 141
Location: Old Town Pasadena
UTC quote
jepone wrote:
they give it a title of "Chopper builder hurt in fatal crash" what about the rider he murdered.
Bastards.
@vespavixen avatar
UTC

Hooked
2006 Vespa LX 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 141
Location: Old Town Pasadena
 
Hooked
@vespavixen avatar
2006 Vespa LX 150
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Posts: 141
Location: Old Town Pasadena
UTC quote
I keep attempting to send those jerks an email but I 'lose it' too quickly...argh! Damnit.
@snofrk avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
GTS250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 74
Location: San Francisco
 
Enthusiast
@snofrk avatar
GTS250
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Location: San Francisco
UTC quote
Agreed the man should be run over by a 1000 scooters etc.....

Now the real question is what can we learn from this tragic event?

As we all know there is almost no accident that can't be prevented.

To me Gerald (the scooterest) was not at fault but did he follow all the rules?

What could he have done to prevent it?

From this point on two lane roads like in the accident I might stay more on the right side. When I see a clump of car. Also make sure my high beams are on.

Also it sounds like Gerald might have been in faster traffic than he really should have been. A 82 moped I'd imagine has little power or handling and the ability to doge.

In Thailand the highest rate of deaths are scooter based. People think that a scooter is less risky than a motorcycle.

Please don't take this as not being respectful, my thoughts are to help us all.


Something that might be nice is when we hear of a fallen scooter.. put a black band on the site logo for a day. Just to pay respect.

rk
@paul_blknblu avatar
UTC

Addicted
'2017 GTS 300 SS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 587
Location: Bicton - Western Australia
 
Addicted
@paul_blknblu avatar
'2017 GTS 300 SS
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Posts: 587
Location: Bicton - Western Australia
UTC quote
I bet that Fck Wit Driver was gunning it whilst over taking, no doubt looking at the drivers of the vehicles he was passing and not what was coming toward him.
Seen this type of thing before and it sends shudders down my spine at the thought of the outcomes...
I hope he goes to jail, for a long time.
My thoughts go to the family of the moped rider, and the moped rider -may he rest in peace.
@hayes avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2005 vespa px125 (sold) + 1998 Yamaha XJ600N
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1258
Location: Belgium
 
Molto Verboso
@hayes avatar
2005 vespa px125 (sold) + 1998 Yamaha XJ600N
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1258
Location: Belgium
UTC quote
I suppose a double yellow line can't be crossed? Then he has to be charged for sure. What a big pcik-up btw.

I nearly hit a truck myself yesterday. I was riding along on the right sid eof the road because a car was overtaking me. Another car was coming towards us. On the right was a car parked, but with the engine and lights running. When I got close I suddenly see a big pick-up backing up. There was nowhere to go for me. Happily when he was already about 1 metre on the road, he noticed us... My heart didn't miss one beat but a whole drumline.
UTC

Hooked
PX150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 294
Location: Germantown Maryland
 
Hooked
PX150
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Posts: 294
Location: Germantown Maryland
UTC quote
IrishTim wrote:
Another tragic point: How'd you feel if you were the parents of that scum-bucket's 22 yr old passenger? (What do chicks see in A**holes 14 yrs older than them?)
$$$$$$
@ellen avatar
UTC

Addicted
Piaggio BV200, Genuine Buddy 125, Honda Metropolitan
Joined: UTC
Posts: 931
Location: Bethel, CT
 
Addicted
@ellen avatar
Piaggio BV200, Genuine Buddy 125, Honda Metropolitan
Joined: UTC
Posts: 931
Location: Bethel, CT
UTC quote
People talk about how soccer moms are a threat.
I'm more worried about big ego's in even bigger pick-um-up trucks.
I'm constantly being pushed and passed in no passing zones by those idiots.
UTC

Member
ET 4 (online, I ride an iBook G4)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 9
Location: Nashville
 
Member
ET 4 (online, I ride an iBook G4)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 9
Location: Nashville
UTC quote
Re: Chopper builder kills scooterist
Here is the letter I sent to the paper just now. We'll see if they print it.
Quote:
Dear Editor:

I was shocked to read the article about the head-on crash in which a truck driven by Billy Lane hit and killed Gerald Morelock, who was riding a moped. The headline said "Chopper builder hurt in fatal crash". Notice how this highlights the "injuries" suffered by Mr. Lane, (who was reportedly "treated and released" from the hospital) and passes over the death of Mr. Morelock and the injuries of Ms. Derrick, Mr. Lane's passenger, who remains in stable condition. My heart goes out to the families of Mr. Morelock and Ms. Derrick which have to read this disrespectful headline in a time of overwhelming loss and shock.

I hope there will be a full investigation of the accident and that Ms. Derrick and the drivers of the two vehicles Mr. Lane was reportedly passing (despite the double yellow line) will cooperate fully with a thorough police investigation. Mr. Lane is notorious for his love of hard liquor, among other things. If he was at fault for the accident, I hope that he will never be allowed to drive a motor vehicle again. Or perhaps he should only be permitted to walk -- and only within an 8' X 10' area. If he Mr. Lane was not at fault, my heart goes out to him as well. Motorcycle and scooter riders all over the world are following this story.
I wanted to be harsher with the paper, but figured that would decrease my (slim) chance of getting it published.
@jridg avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Piaggio BV 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2348
Location: Alameda, CA
 
Ossessionato
@jridg avatar
Piaggio BV 250
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Posts: 2348
Location: Alameda, CA
UTC quote
BlueBerry,

Well done!
@snofrk avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
GTS250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 74
Location: San Francisco
 
Enthusiast
@snofrk avatar
GTS250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 74
Location: San Francisco
UTC quote
Re: Chopper builder kills scooterist
BlueBerry wrote:
Here is the letter I sent to the paper just now. We'll see if they print it.
Quote:
Dear Editor:

I was shocked to read the article about the head-on crash in which a truck driven by Billy Lane hit and killed Gerald Morelock, who was riding a moped. The headline said "Chopper builder hurt in fatal crash". Notice how this highlights the "injuries" suffered by Mr. Lane, (who was reportedly "treated and released" from the hospital) and passes over the death of Mr. Morelock and the injuries of Ms. Derrick, Mr. Lane's passenger, who remains in stable condition. My heart goes out to the families of Mr. Morelock and Ms. Derrick which have to read this disrespectful headline in a time of overwhelming loss and shock.

I hope there will be a full investigation of the accident and that Ms. Derrick and the drivers of the two vehicles Mr. Lane was reportedly passing (despite the double yellow line) will cooperate fully with a thorough police investigation. Mr. Lane is notorious for his love of hard liquor, among other things. If he was at fault for the accident, I hope that he will never be allowed to drive a motor vehicle again. Or perhaps he should only be permitted to walk -- and only within an 8' X 10' area. If he Mr. Lane was not at fault, my heart goes out to him as well. Motorcycle and scooter riders all over the world are following this story.
I wanted to be harsher with the paper, but figured that would decrease my (slim) chance of getting it published.
Can you post the E-mail if enough of us write it might open up a story into it's self.
@cfargo avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Many
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Ossessionato
@cfargo avatar
Many
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UTC quote
The writer email address is jdgallop@flatoday.net
@radioctrldwife avatar
UTC

Hooked
BV250 & Aprilia scarabeo 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 295
Location: Hollywood, Md.
 
Hooked
@radioctrldwife avatar
BV250 & Aprilia scarabeo 250
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Posts: 295
Location: Hollywood, Md.
UTC quote
Such a sad story. Lane should know better.... I think we should all write to the Discovery people also. If this jerk were to get around the law somehow.... I definately don't want to see him building choppers on TV!
@radioctrldwife avatar
UTC

Hooked
BV250 & Aprilia scarabeo 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 295
Location: Hollywood, Md.
 
Hooked
@radioctrldwife avatar
BV250 & Aprilia scarabeo 250
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Posts: 295
Location: Hollywood, Md.
UTC quote
Gotta add something else here....

My Hubby says they should replace the biker build off show with a scooter/ moped build off show just to piss that lane guy off.
@cfargo avatar
UTC

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Many
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Ossessionato
@cfargo avatar
Many
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UTC quote
Choppers Inc www site is Turned OFF. Many other must have sent them hate mail too. At least they are getting the hint that he is a murderer and is not liked.
@jridg avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Piaggio BV 250
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Posts: 2348
Location: Alameda, CA
 
Ossessionato
@jridg avatar
Piaggio BV 250
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Posts: 2348
Location: Alameda, CA
UTC quote
the latest
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060906/BREAKINGNEWS/60906018

and here:

http://www.wftv.com/news/9792681/detail.html

take a look, it would appear that they are going to pursue this guy, they just want to ensure they do it right so he won't get off scott free.....
⚠️ Last edited by jridg on UTC; edited 1 time
UTC

Hooked
1974 Vespa Primavera
Joined: UTC
Posts: 123
Location: Palm Bay, FL
 
Hooked
1974 Vespa Primavera
Joined: UTC
Posts: 123
Location: Palm Bay, FL
UTC quote
This is roughly 10 or so miles from my home. People I work with drive by his shop daily.

I scooter to work every day but not near his shop.

Was a definite shocker to hear. It won't stop me from scootering though and if anyone is up for a benefit scooter rally or something in the Melbourne area I would be more than happy to join.
@cfargo avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Many
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Ossessionato
@cfargo avatar
Many
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UTC quote
MDWeezer wrote:
This is roughly 10 or so miles from my home. People I work with drive by his shop daily.

I scooter to work every day but not near his shop.

Was a definite shocker to hear. It won't stop me from scootering though and if anyone is up for a benefit scooter rally or something in the Melbourne area I would be more than happy to join.
I will fly there for it so you make sure that you keep us posted if one comes up. I called the local Yamaha Shop to see if they knew him or what we could do to help, they just refered me to the Florida Today www site.
@cindy avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2006 Vespa LX150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1457
 
Molto Verboso
@cindy avatar
2006 Vespa LX150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1457
UTC quote
Headline reads "Chopper builder hurt in fatal crash" instead of Chopper builder kills scooterist while passing on double yellow line." That's the media for ya.
@jepone avatar
UTC

Hooked
2005 GT200L
Joined: UTC
Posts: 176
Location: Portland, OR
 
Hooked
@jepone avatar
2005 GT200L
Joined: UTC
Posts: 176
Location: Portland, OR
UTC quote
billy lame
jridg wrote:
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060906/BREAKINGNEWS/60906018

and here:

http://www.wftv.com/news/9792681/detail.html

take a look, it would appear that they are going to pursue this guy, they just want to ensure they do it right so he won't get off scott free.....
good, it looks like ol'billy might be in some serious trouble.
that idiot still has charges pending for drunk driving appearence, and he goes and does this. moron. he knows he is f*cked. i hope discovery drops his dumb ass.

i hope they prosecute before 8 weeks, he needs to be off the road NOW.

i think somebody ought to email him a link to this discussion. i would but i'm at work.


sorry if this sounds harsh, it really makes me mad.
@jepone avatar
UTC

Hooked
2005 GT200L
Joined: UTC
Posts: 176
Location: Portland, OR
 
Hooked
@jepone avatar
2005 GT200L
Joined: UTC
Posts: 176
Location: Portland, OR
UTC quote
here's his physical address if anybody wants to send him fan mail:

Choppers Inc.
1243 N. Harbor City Blvd.
Melbourne, FL 31401
US

still looking for his personal email... but it is probably turned off too.
OP
@ritchj avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
One of each
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3421
Location: Ranura de Monedas, NorCal
 
Ossessionato
@ritchj avatar
One of each
Joined: UTC
Posts: 3421
Location: Ranura de Monedas, NorCal
UTC quote
Just to add another dimension: What if Lane was avoiding a stopped vehicle, and was swerving out of the way, and simply didn't see a 23 year old moped with a dim yellow 15 watt headlight?

Is the internet forum community, including the chopper forums that want him roasted alive, convicting him BEFORE the ALL facts are known?

Interesting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trial_by_media


Dingos really DID eat her baby.
John Mark Karr didn't know JonBenet.
OJ Simpson, um, is searching for the real killers.
Michael Jackson loves kids, but not that way.

"We even welcome spirited debate."
@beelzebubbles avatar
UTC

Hooked
Genuine Blur (PGO GMax)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 127
Location: SF
 
Hooked
@beelzebubbles avatar
Genuine Blur (PGO GMax)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 127
Location: SF
UTC quote
Just a side note, but despite the repeated references to "moped", I suspect the victim may have been riding a scooter. I see Yamaha Vino's being referred to as "mopeds" more than once, for example. People don't make the distinction too well, not surprising to me considering the convoluted distinctions made on the CA DMV site.

One of the articles even mentions something about the victim recently contemplating getting rid of his "motorcycle", so it's not even clear if the writer makes a distinction among "moped", "scooter", or "motorcycle".

Whatever the actual two-wheel model, they all lose in a head-on with a truck, of course.
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