I don’t know Julia Purrington or “Dick Dime.” And I’m not entirely sure what happened.
But I’ve traveled so many of the roads they’ve traveled, I can see very clearly in my mind’s eye how it might have gone down.
Julia Purrington and Richard Paradis, whose nickname is “Dick Dime,” were hit by a car two weeks ago while cycling near Chatfield State Park in Littleton and severely injured. I’ve read the Web postings from their friends about the horrifying litany of punctures, broken bones and head trauma they suffered.
I think about the number of times that careless or raging drivers have come way too close to me when I’ve been cycling. The fear feels like spiders running across my hands. Sometimes these drivers are talking on the phone. Sometimes they’re just mad as hell because you’re there, no matter how far to the right you are.
Don’t bother telling me about the times you’ve encountered rude cyclists. I know they are out there. The penalty, however, should not be death or serious injury, no matter how aggravated you are.
I was “buzzed” by a vehicle not far from where Purrington and Paradis were hit. It was a weekend morning, I was riding alone, and the rural road was almost entirely clear of traffic.
The wind was so loud in my ears that I didn’t even hear the guy in the car until he was right upon me, just inches from my left leg. I was riding either on the white line or very close to it.
I immediately thought of my two sons. Then I was scared.
As it turns out, I saw that driver a few minutes later when I stopped to get water. He was at the state park’s coin laundromat, doing his wash. I told him I didn’t appreciate how close he’d come to me.
He said that I wasn’t far enough to the right. That was it, apparently. What if a wind gust had made me swerve? What if he misjudged his ability to get close but not hit me? This guy was willing to perhaps injure or kill me because he didn’t approve of where I was riding. Unfathomable.
I have long believed that no one should be allowed a driver’s license until they have ridden a long busy road on a bike. Experiencing that vulnerability might make them think twice about deliberately riding close to a cyclist or being careless.
Purrington and Paradis are competitive triathlon age groupers. So am I. Purrington was headed to Australia for the age group world championships. So am I.
To be competitive, you have to spend a good bit of time on a bike. After so many miles, no matter how cautious you are, you have close calls. You’re careful, and you hope today is not the day your luck goes bad.
I’m not going to lecture drivers on how to behave, just to beg them to show some respect for human life and perhaps even a bit of patience.
I’ll also ask that you keep these two athletes in your prayers.
Denver Post editorial writer Alicia Caldwell can be reached at 303-954-1930 or at acaldwell@denverpost.com.
