Family of bicyclist killed by truck sues

The family of bicyclist John Triggs, who was killed in downtown Kansas City last year by a turning truck, has sued the company that owns the truck.

The truck turned into Triggs as it was making a right-hand turn. The family maintains that the truck was not signalling while making the turn. It is not clear whether Triggs was riding on the sidewalk or riding on the street and passing the truck on the right.

Given the layout of the intersection, the truck was certainaly swinging wide left to prepare for it's right-hand turn. This may have given Triggs the impression the truck was moving into the left lane or turning left, making him feel that it was safe to try to pass the truck on the right.

This is a common, and very dangerous, situation involving bicyclists and heavy trucks--a trap that even very experienced bicyclists can easily fall into.

Read more about why this is a problem, why it can happen to you even though you think it never could, and how you can avoid it, here.

The case has drawn significant discussion on the KCStar's message boards.