Neighbors: Intersection Where Two Cyclists Were Killed Is Trouble Spot
Neighbors: Intersection Where Two Cyclists Were Killed Is Trouble Spot Save Email Print
Posted: 1:17 PM Aug 7, 2008
Last Updated: 3:53 PM Aug 7, 2008
Reporter: Stephanie Ross
Email Address: sross@kktv.com

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Barbara Thomas, 63, allegedly hit and killed two cyclists in the intersection of 26th and Westend Ave. Neighbors say, that area is a trouble spot.

Colorado Springs police say Thomas is at fault in the accident, after they say she made a left hand turn from 26th onto Westend and hitting and killing Edgar Juarez, 30 and Jayson Kilroy, 28. Police also believe that Thomas was under the influence of drugs.

Multiple people in the neighborhood tell 11 News that the hill is a very popular ride for cyclists and that they often reach top speeds coming down it. At the same time, they say cars often speed through that turn, not taking the time to look.

However, Lt. Whitlock of the Colorado Springs Police Department says, "There is no evidence to suggest that the cycling group or the deceased cyclist’s were operating their bicycles in a manner that contributed to the crash, and it appears they were lawfully in the roadway and following applicable laws. There was a light rain falling at the time of the crash, but it does not appear to be a contributing factor in the accident."

Thomas has been charged with Vehicles Turning Left (Illegal left turn), Vehicular Homicide and Driving Under the Influence of Drugs. The suspected drugs are prescription medications. Thomas was also charged with Driving with a Restricted License.

Police say Thomas was not wearing corrective lenses at the time of the crash, and she is required to do so.

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Posted by: DL Location: Colorado Springs on Aug 11, 2008 at 04:24 PM
I am a Colorado native and I am NOT a cyclist. When I was learning to drive, cyclists proved to be an obstacle I learned to work with, just as pedestrians, motorcycles, etc. Getting aggressive and angry at cyclists, especially while they are mourning the death of 2 of their friends is NOT the answer: LEARNING TO DRIVE BETTER is. With gas prices soaring, I have thought about finding alternate transportation, as many probably are - cycling seems a positive answer to 2 of the problems plaguing our society: gas prices and obesity. Cyclists are HUMAN BEINGS not an unnamed enemy stalking our streets waiting to make our drive time difficult. These men were people with jobs, paying taxes for our roads, trying to live a positive healthy lifestyle with minimal impact on the environment. Now 2 of our community members and tax payers are dead and all we can do as a community is fight about how they steal our roads. They say that we learn the most important lessons in life in kindergarten, in this case I believe that is true, BE KIND and SHARE (the road)

Posted by: Linda Location: Colorado Springs on Aug 7, 2008 at 05:44 PM
The memorial that has been erected at this site is causing a huge safety hazard. Please turn it to face 26th street. The folks standing there paying their respects are blocking traffic lanes causing cars to edge over into the oncoming traffic lane on Westend to avoid hitting the cars and mourners on the right. The oncoming cars are coming over a blind hill making this another tragedy waiting to happen. Someone use some common sense and turn the memorial so the folks paying respects will be standing on the 26th street side where they are fully visible from all directions to traffic. It would be much safer to manuver around them on that side. I'm certain these two young men wouldn't want to be a reason for someone else to be injured or worse. My prayers go out to their families and friends.

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