Taking a look at the comment-thread that this story has generated I feel that I need to say a few things.First of all of course this personal. This is a story of what happened to a friend of mine, Matt McNeill, and the reason I decided to try and spread this around is because I was absolutely appalled at what had happened. If something happens to a friend of mine I'm going to do whatever I can to help them out. Unlike the guys in BBU I don't need to resort to violence to do so. You can talk about your convictions or you can live them. I choose the latter.
Secondly one of the things that really disturbs me about the comments in defense of BBU is the notion that RUNNING A CYCLIST DOWN WITH A CAR is somehow a reasonable response for a shoving match on a sidewalk. 716 cyclists died on U.S. roads in 2008, and studies have shown that in 90% of accidents involving cyclists and motorists the motorists were at fault.
But this wasn't an accident. This was the deliberate assault on a cyclist with a vehicle. Just because it's not a gun or a knife doesn't mean that this wasn't an assault with a deadly weapon. The potential to have seriously maimed or killed Matt was astronomically high. And if that wasn't enough the members of BBU proceed to physically assault Matt 3-against-1. Anyone who can defend that is a no good thug.
Finally I want to thank everyone who got the word out on this story. Everyone who shared this link and encouraged their friends to spread the story. It's absolutely amazing to see people actually mobilize and use the internet as the amazing communication tool it is. People involved in the cycling community continue to be some of the most dedicated and vigilant individuals around.
UPDATE: Found out about this a little bit ago: Photographer Attacked By Police
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It was not a "deliberate assault on a cyclist." What a dishonest spin on the situation! These kids didn't just jump some cyclist! Someone picked a fight with a kid, he got his friends and fought back. It sounds like all parties were drinking. This is hardly news worthy! Get over yourself. And maybe your friend will think twice before muscling kids around.
ReplyDeleteHeather, really?
ReplyDeleteopening the door of their car in such a manner as to have someone on a bike smash into it is not a deliberate assault?
really? did you even read the article or did you glaze over it because your attention can't be held for more than 140 characters?
he was doing his fucking job and then was ASSAULTED by THREE COWARDS who used their vehicle to try and seriously injure him. that's it. you are flat out ignorant to see it otherwise.
i passed this along to some of the major hip hop blogs both in chicago and nationally, hopefully it get's picked up. thanks, Jon J, for giving this incident the attention it deserves.
Dude, a THIRD post about this? Really?
ReplyDeleteBBU must be doing something right (I heard they killed it at the Congress last night) to draw traffic to this depression-zone of a blog.
I'm embarrassed to even be wasting my time on this page when there are tons of other credible blogs I should be perusing.
either that or they're thugs who shouldn't be allowed to get away with this shit just because they're in a band that a bunch of people like.
ReplyDeletedon't listen to the haters, this has all been well-written and i dig the page.
BBU are all avid cyclists, this is a sad case of what happens when cyclists resort to driving cars.
ReplyDeleteThis story is bad journalism at its finest. Your bias looms large .Due to your friendship with Matt. Yes this is was an unfortunate situation.But truthfully, since I know people on both sides.Both sides should share the blame. As I was reading the comments from you and other people. I came to the conclusion that most of you have little to no idea about the things you comment on. The kid from BBU was a victim of an ongoing situation at the bars in that neighborhood. I also noticed alot of people putting " Anonymous" next to their outrageous/inflammatory comments. That shows cowardice.You may not like this but you mean well when you say that this has nothing to with race. There is a tinge of it whether you know it or not. I know this because I have worked at flat iron since it was called "The Note." Since you are a journalist, you already know that our cilentele changed dramastically in the past two and a half years.You do not have all of the facts. You stil don't. And you should know that both sides regard this as a "dead" issue. Everyone has moved on.
ReplyDelete-- Evan F. Moore
are you (the author) going to respond to this, cause it has been two full months without another blog post?
ReplyDeleteBye. Id also like to bring onto stage the three most important people in my life Julie, Chip, and Becky for were it not for their enviable patience and understanding, I could never have.
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Bye. Id also like to bring onto stage the three most important people in my life Julie, Chip, and Becky for were it not for their enviable patience and understanding, I could never have.