The Wednesday Examiner states the cyclist was traveling in the curb lane
and attempted to make a left turn. She turned directly into the path of
a
Muni bus that was traveling behind her. The bus struck and killed the
cyclist. Initial reports indicate the Muni driver was not at fault and
could not have avoided this tragic accident.
-- I arrived at 24th and Valencia last night at 6:50 after taking me an hour and a half to get there due to power failure on the 22 Fillmore line.There were about 50-60 people when I arrived, and about 20 when I Ieft, an hour later.
An eye witness was being interviewed by two reporters from the Mission neighborhood paper. The eye witness says that the driver was speeding through the intersection against the light and swerved into Rebecca causing her be crushed by parked cars. The driver showed absolutely no remorse and was not concerned with her welfare.
I am disturbed by how little human life is valued in this instance and how little has been reported on this death. Whether she was wearing a helmet or not does not excuse the driver of Muni. Any time someone wears a Muni uniform there needs to be an expectation for good will ambassadorship. A level of concerned customer relationship.
It is obvious to me that the organizational culture at Muni is too heavily invested in the insulated status quo.
That is why I believe that Andrew's response to Emilio's blame of the Civil Service system on yesterday's Krasny program was spot on. The proper response to a Charter -bound non responsive City government Department is to introduce legislation via a ballot initiative for 11-98 that will place Muni under an entirely different more responsive governance that is influence by Riders not politicians.
I have been a Willy supporter until now. His reported disregard for our time and inability or lack of interest in identifying root problems has earned my opposition in the next city election. His lack of leadership in addressing the changes that are needed is inexcusable.
Is Gavin Newsom the only one trying to refocus government into putting the customer first?
Richard Winn fax: 415-474-7788