The Nov. 14 announcement that prosecutors found no proof of a crime against the driver of a car that struck a 21-year-old riding a bike at a crossing on Hilyard Street came as bitter news. How can it be justified that someone traveling up to 10 mph over the speed limit and failing to stop at a marked crosswalk is innocent? The behavior of the person driving resulted in the death of a young woman. That seems like proof enough. At the absolute minimum, that person should have been issued tickets for speeding and failing to yield. In my opinion, they should have faced more serious consequences.

The Eugene community is in the midst of a traffic safety crisis. Speeding, intoxicated driving and careless driving is resulting in tragic and preventable deaths. These aren’t numbers, these are beloved daughters, sons, siblings and parents that are being lost. It’s hard to imagine that we can confront this crisis if people aren’t being held responsible for their actions.

Lookout’s article detailing the decision not to charge the driver said, “Witness statements indicated that Cardenas-Figueroa, who was on her bike, ‘did not stop and check for traffic before riding out into the crosswalk.’” If I am ever killed while walking or biking, I am sure they will say I didn’t look either. How are we supposed to know what she saw? She is gone.

I ride my bike every single day to work through the same spot where Elizabeth died. Every day, I see the ghost bike that was placed at that intersection as a reminder. Every day, I see the same thing Elizabeth probably saw: a car coming to a stop, and another impatient driver passing that stopping car and speeding through the crosswalk.

I have a lot of experience and don’t go when I see only one car stopping. Elizabeth was young and not so lucky. She entered the crosswalk when a car was stopping, as we are taught to do. The driver acted unpredictably and illegally by passing the stopping car, hitting and killing Elizabeth. That should be a crime. 

Willow Hamilton
Springfield