Drivers that stike cyclists should rot in jail for the rest of their lives

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Tuesday, May 23, 2006

'He was always on a bike'

One of two bicyclists hit on Sunday in Mission Viejo dies, the other is in fair condition at Mission Hospital.

By ERIKA I. RITCHIE
The Orange County Register

MISSION VIEJO - David Pullen loved the rigors and challenges of mountain biking but always worried when he hit urban roadways.

"He was always aware of cars," said his wife, Pamela Pullen, 56, from her bed at Mission Hospital on Monday. "He'd point out people who were on their cell phones or doing other things while driving. It was always his greatest fear that someone would come over into the bike lane."

On Sunday, his greatest fear came true. A car veered into the bike lane in which the couple was cycling. David, with multiple broken bones and internal injuries, died at Mission Hospital that evening.

(snip)

David rode to work in Lake Forest. He most loved the exhilaration of riding trails and the technical challenge of mountain biking. He was known as an endurance rider, not a downhill speed demon. He loved the camaraderie of the mountain bikers and competed in masters events in the Big Bear and Mammoth Lakes areas. He didn't care if it was raining, muddy or snowing.

(snip)


http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/local/article_1152075.php

News background

• The Pullens were riding their road bikes at 1:21 p.m. Sunday when they were struck by a bronze 2005 Mercedes driven by Houssin Halal, 38, of Mission Viejo, authorities said. The Register was unable to reach Halal for comment.

• Witnesses told police the driver could have been reaching into his glove box at the time.

• The Sheriff's Department says the investigation will take about two months. No citations have been issued. Witnesses are asked to call [phone].