The Royal Scumbags - In the sky

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Moc Artsy

With all due respect to truck drivers and visibility issues involving semi-trailer rigs, the article does explain that the driver is being sought because he was traveling at a high rate of speed eastbound on Pershing. Does anyone on Chainlink--truck driver or cyclist--want to defend a professional driver piloting a semi rig with an extended cab at a very high rate of speed on Pershing? I live in McKinley Park and ride Bridgeport/Canaryville/Bronzeville all the time. There are neighborhood-specific issues that I have encountered and continue to encounter, and a number of these issues have involved trucks. Not to assign the blame to truck drivers or to anyone in broadly general terms. Part of the issue to me seems to be the routing of truck traffic through what are swiftly becoming residential neighborhoods, but that still have not only industrial pockets and delivery routes, but access to 55 (right next to my place) and the Dan Ryan (near where the accident took place). I think every seasoned cyclist knows from experience to exercise special caution when riding near trucks. Evidently not all drivers know not to drive at expressway speeds on streets like Pershing. That said, we also know nothing about the man on the bicycle who was struck and killed. For every assumption about him being a part of a Chicago cycling "community," in that neighborhood it is also quite possible that this was someone who simply relied on a bicycle to get around. There are all kinds of people on bicycles in these neighborhoods who are not on the Chainlink and whom most of us hardly notice. They are worth worrying about.

lauren sailor

i had to go to campus today, so i altered my route a little. i'm usually on King Drive (400 East) at Pershing, and had a vague mental image of Pershing to the west (i.e., the 300 East block where the rider was found) but wanted to get a better picture.

that part of the road had two freshly paved, rather narrow lanes in each direction, and the outer lane had cars parked in it intermittently. there's a fair amount of open/undeveloped space, but some strips of shops on both sides of the road, only some of which looked boarded up. the pavement was remarkably clear, and not even the door zone of the few parked cars had encrusted ice. there's a school, didn't catch what grades but from the kids outside i'd guess high school. both times i passed (noon and 2:30) there were at least a dozen people on the sidewalks, either passing through or hanging out.

it seems like there's plenty going on in that stretch of Pershing. yet even with no school on Monday, i cannot believe the snow plow driver was the first to call 911. i'm really hoping the plow came almost immediately after the collision, and not that the fallen bicyclist was ignored.

i did not stop and did not wish to, given all the activity. not the sort of place i'd want to change a flat.

lauren sailor

i had to go to campus today, so i altered my route a little. i'm usually on King Drive (400 East) at Pershing, and had a vague mental image of Pershing to the west (i.e., the 300 East block where the rider was found) but wanted to get a better picture.

that part of the road had two freshly paved, rather narrow lanes in each direction, and the outer lane had cars parked in it intermittently. there's a fair amount of open/undeveloped space, but some strips of shops on both sides of the road, only some of which looked boarded up. the pavement was remarkably clear, and not even the door zone of the few parked cars had encrusted ice. there's a school, didn't catch what grades but from the kids outside i'd guess high school. both times i passed (noon and 2:30) there were at least a dozen people on the sidewalks, either passing through or hanging out.

it seems like there's plenty going on in that stretch of Pershing. yet even with no school on Monday, i cannot believe the snow plow driver was the first to call 911. i'm really hoping the plow came almost immediately after the collision, and not that the fallen bicyclist was ignored.

i did not stop and did not wish to, given all the activity. not the sort of place i'd want to change a flat.

H3N3

Tried the Sun Times again, tried to express that people are interested in this-- the guy spoke in a weird croaking voice I could barely understand but all he could say was call the Medical Examiner's office.

http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/35231868/chicago_il/cook_county_medical_examiner.html

I'm not going to be able to during daytime hours.

H3N3

Tried the Sun Times again, tried to express that people are interested in this-- the guy spoke in a weird croaking voice I could barely understand but all he could say was call the Medical Examiner's office.

http://chicago.citysearch.com/profile/35231868/chicago_il/cook_county_medical_examiner.html

I'm not going to be able to during daytime hours.

h3n3

Not to pile on to Mike, as I think there are times when whether drivers are expecting to see bicycles does influence safety; but I also find it more peaceful, and feel safer riding in Pilsen/Bridgeport/Canaryville than I do on much of the North Side, and motorist entitlement and maybe "intensity" is my main feeling about what the difference is. Particularly in Pilsen and Bridgeport (I don't spend as much time in Canaryville) I find drivers generally patient and tolerant (comparatively) and the high number of secondary and tertiary streets that go through for considerable distances without interruptions means I rarely have to share space with a vehicle traveling much over 30 MPH.

lauren sailor

Mike Keating said:

I just did a blog post on this on www.ILBicycleLaw.com. Hit the link to go to the post.



I've been concerned for a while that Bridgeport/Canaryville/Pilsen is seeing a greater influx in


I haven't looked up the data, but I have a hunch that there is a lower population density in Bridgeport/Canaryville/Pilsen than on the north side. As far as I'm concerned this is a great thing, as there tends to be fewer cars on the road, fewer cabs double-parked in the bike lane, fewer drivers trying to door me, and less traffic chaos overall. On the north side, I've often encountered a palpable feeling of entitlement that I haven't found in south-side working class neighborhoods, either. Sure, drivers in B/C/P might still door you because they don't know to check their mirrors, but at least they'll apologize instead of yelling at you for dinging their Jetta and interrupting their iPhone conversation... aah, stereotypes :)



I take issue with the comment that the B/C/P areas are somehow ill-equipped for bike traffic, however. 26th, Archer, Canal, and Wabash make bike travel easy in Chinatown; Pilsen has 18th, 21st, Blue Island, Loomis, Damen, and Halsted specifically marked for cycling, not to mention hidden gems like Racine, 16th, and Canalport. Travel through and out of Bridgeport is facilitated with the Lyman/Loomis pass, Racine, Archer (for the brave), Halsted, 29th, and 33rd. The streets just east of Halsted (Emerald and Union) are great options for anyone squeamish about traffic on Halsted.



With a solid infrastructure in place, I can only assume you mean motorists are underinformed when you hint that the Bridgeport, Canaryville, and Pilsen communities are unprepared for cyclists. Sure, there are plenty of drivers who don't know how to safely share the road with cyclists, but I think it's obvious that this problem is not specific to the south side. Across the city (and state and country), improved education and enforcement would do wonders to improve the safety of vulnerable road users, but I'm not holding my breath.



The cyclist was found in Bronzeville, however, a neighborhood with even fewer cycling amenities than the near south side ones you mentioned. I try not to travel on Pershing; 43rd to the south is much calmer, and 33rd to the north has marked sharrows. The bike lanes on King Drive and Oakwood are nice, but they're the only ones in Bronzeville. I've encountered more than my share of ignorant drivers on both of these streets, too, including one fine gentleman who invited me to do something I won't reiterate in a public forum. In spite the IIT cycling team and easy access to the LFP, the Bronzeville zeitgeist doesn't seem to have a place for cyclists, and we should not ignore race or infrastructure when we ask why. And should we laugh or cry at the irony of being killed in Bronzeville on MLK day? It's almost as sad as Tyler Fabeck being hit and killed by a Prius on Earth Day.



Katie, I have no idea who it was, but I'll keep my ear to the ground in Bridgeport. I was initially horrified that it could have been my thesis advisor, who commutes between Bronzeville and Hyde Park, but I received an e-mail from him this morning.



This is terrible news indeed, and my thoughts are with the rider's loved ones.

Mike Keating

I've been concerned for a while that Bridgeport/Canaryville/Pilsen is seeing a greater influx in number of riders (a good thing) than the current community is ready/equipped to deal with (not so good thing). People on the North Side tend to be used to bicyclists being around all the time, but the numbers of bicyclists on the near South Side is kind of a "surge". I remember riding to then new Comiskey Park in late 90's/early 00's and being the only bike I saw the whole way down there along Halsted from the West Loop. Now I see a lot of us everywhere.

Link to story

Here's the link :

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/metro/bicyclist-killed-hit-and-run-south-side-pershing-fatal-20110118

The FLORIDA Fisherman

BOB was a good man. I still can't believe this has happen. He was an adventure's man and he alway's held a great respect with me and mostly everyone he would meet. He helped me and I helped him. I Loved BOB and will miss him dearly. An officer I talked to said there is a passing bus in the footage as well and that bus driver must of seen the accident. He should be questioned and the records are there of who was driving. Please help BOB. He was a Firecracker! He did what ever it took to get the Job done. He has had hard times like many of us do and survived the best way he knew how to. He was from Bridgeport Chicago. He did plenty of side job's for buisness's that are in the neighborhood and everyone knew him to be on a bike. He did the funeral parlor on 37th and emerald, gas station's in the neighborhood and plenty of resident's. He was an honest man and did not deserve what happen to him. I will be posting as the information come's to me. I am still realizing the issue. It is a shock. Hundred's and thousand's of mission's on the bike's he rode and never no turn out like this. It is a shame the person could not stop and deal with this. Robert Jr. we are family. I loved Bob and he Loved you two guy's and alway's talked about you's and alway's had good and interesting thing's to say. Even how he went to meet you guy's in Canada when you's were younger all the way across country from florida to surprise you's and your mom.

He was majorly cool. One of the Best! I will campaign for him alway's and will not let it go until it is settled. The Florida Fisherman!

Alway's a crowd favorite. Wish you the best and see you one day again. I love you Dude! Peace

Keath Sodapop

Words from victim's son.

My Father was Robert Felice whom was Killed on 1/17/2011 by a Hit and Run Driver. The Police tell us that there is video of a Semi Tanker Truck speeding down the road at the time of the accident. Why has this video not been shown on the local news stations? I also wanted to say Thank You very much to all of you have have been posting your comments. I hope that more information will surface and some form of justice will be served. Also, Thank You Keath Sodapop for all of your help and for being a good friend to my father! God Bless You All !



Robert Felice Jr.

Seek Justice

I am an artist. Keath Sodapop is the name I use when doing so. There is way more to Robert's story then what I posted. He was born in Brooklyn, New York. Lived a nice amount of life in Florida and the last 20 or so years lived in Bridgeport, Chicago. Robert died on the bike I gave him. I helped Bob out and he alway's helped me whenever needed. I'm gonna miss him. I hope people round up to help him.



Thanks.

Robert M. Felice

Please visit my page I can help with information. His name is Robert M. Felice. My mother and Robert were together for almost 15yrs. He frequently would stay in my grandmother's building. I have plenty of friends who know him and love and miss him! My wife, my daughter, and plenty other's. He was 65yrs old when he was killed. The media isnt really helping much. I am not sure how much the police are helping either. I contacted police and media but havent heard any response. He has two son's in Florida that I have contacted and are taking care of the situation. I am planning a memorial for him and will post information as it come's. Robert did not have a stable home and lived a particular life. He was a victum of a hit and run regardless of the situation and how it happened, the driver did not even stop? His bike was wreck and if the driver couldn't feel him hitting a person and bike or see the cyclist at all? there is fishy feeling with this and the authorities have been pretty sketchy. Please help him. He was a good person with a good heart and did not deserve this! Police say there is video footage of the accident. There are plenty of land mark's in that area and they should have plenty of video camera's located somewhere. There is a bus passing in the video one Officer I talked to said. i heard through the grape vine that a person and bus driver seen the accident happen. I'm not sure if it was the pershing bus or the wentworth bus? The CTA should have documents of what bus driver was driving those route's that day, during that time. Jan. 17, 2011 between 5pm and 6pm. Everything is recorded now a day's whether it's computer, video, picture, etc. There has to be record's of that CTA information and the driver's need to be questioned... Some people say it was the SnowPlow that hit Robert. I can only do so much with the access I have. I went the next day to view at the Morgue for ID and was refused because I was not next of Kin.Some people heard he was ripped in half.Some say he had a leg ripped off? Robert was like an Uncle to me even thou him and my mom where together. i love him and will seek justice. But certain information may not be there if too much time passes.... Please contact me...

Thanks,

Keath

The Florida Fisher Man

Date Posted: Jan 20, 2011
Published On: www.chicagocaraccidentlawyersblog.com


The Chicago Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a truck driver that may have been involved in an Illinois hit-and-run bicycle accident, according to the Chicago Tribune. The accident occurred on Monday around 5:50 PM. The victim and a seriously damaged mountain bike were found next to the eastbound lanes in the 300 West block of Pershing Road on the South Side, which is in the Wentworth Gardens neighborhood.

Chicago police believe the bicycle rider was hit by a semi tanker-truck that had a red extended cab. They also report that the truck was traveling at a high rate of speed heading eastbound.

The victim was a 65-year-old male, address still unknown, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. Autopsy reports show the bicyclist died from multiple injuries sustained after being hit by a motor vehicle.

Chicago police are asking anyone with information about the accident to immediately contact the major accident investigation unit at 312-745-4521.

It is not been reported if a Chicago bike accident lawyer is involved in the case yet. As far as a civil case is concerned, we can only hope that the truck involved in the accident is located. This would enable the victim's family to make a claim against the truck driver's commercial insurance policy. If the truck is not located, the attorney representing the victim's family would explore the possibility of making an uninsured motorist / hit and run claim against the victim's own auto insurance policy.

Robert M. Felice

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local-beat/Bicyclist-Killed-in-South-Side-Hit-and-Run-114122669.html

New's Link

A bicyclist was found dead by a city snow plow driver Monday evening after a possible hit-and-run accident.

The driver saw a man lying in the 300 block of West Pershing Road, the Sun Times reports. The man was pronounced dead at 6:29 p.m. He is believed to be in his 40s.

Police are investigating the incident as a hit-and-run, according to the Sun Times. An autopsy is planned for today.

First Published: Jan 18, 2011 8:40 AM CST

Rest In Peace Florida Fisherman!
Oct.26,1945 - Jan.17,2011

Vour One BID





VOUR BID STW

Friday, January 21, 2011

Thursday, January 20, 2011

MAD C

Here we are, the wall is done! Even though I decided to paint a little
further still - I just finished it before the snow set in. The wall was
originally planned to end at the set of windows since those are difficult to
involve and the surface of the wall became pretty bad from thereon too.
However, I decided to extend my theme in places and take the challenge to
paint until the very end of the wall. Now it is about 680m2 of wall space.
Finally, the picture is complete and I hope the story sums up. My
Stylemachine-idea was based on the life of a dedicated graffiti writer. It's
a wall for all of us who paint 10+ years and who put all their energy and
heart into it.

That's how I translated the idea:
Scene one - the laboratory - we sketch, we try, we are inspired, no matter
under which circumstances, lack of time or interruption

Scene two & three - the machine and harbour - we select sketches and
produce our ideas, try techniques, style- and colour-variations and get them
out into the world

Scene four - the difficult journey - a lot of our work gets destroyed f.e.
by the buff, toys or by the nature, so we have to keep on doing our thing no
matter what

Scene five - the city - you keep on sending your name into the world, so at
the end of the day some of your pieces reach their destination, where they
belong and where they are seen.

And for those out there who like numbers a lot: some days I went up and down
the ladder more than 500 times; fell off the ladder 4 times; counted in days
I painted more than 4 months every day at least 10 hours; I used 1489 cans;
158 different colours; 600+ caps; 3 different kind of caps, 100 liters
primer; 140 liters exterior paint; painted at temperatures from +2C° to
+38C° in sunshine, rain, storm, day and night; painted my biggest and
smallest piece so far and overall painted my name far more than 100 times on
this wall. I'm curious if anyone will guess or find out how many there
actually are. I made only one exception from solely painting MadC pieces on
this wall. Special place in my heart - special place on my wall.

And last but not least - a massive thanks to everyone who supported me
throughout the year, Molotow above all of course.

MAD C

http://vimeo.com/17620183

700 Wall - Final Update from Molotow on Vimeo.




This is Like the Illest I've seen ALL TIME!

RIP Robert M. Felice



This is a sad story. I personally knew the man and helped take of him. This was MY GUY! He was currently living in the Bridgeport area of Chicago. Originally he is from Brooklyn, New York. He was a good friend of my Mother's. I hope the Police help solve this case and I will help in any way possible. If you would like to get a picture of him please email me. He was know as the Florida FisherMan! Before he came to Bridgeport he resided in Florida with his Mother. His father and mother seperated and his father was in New York when they went to Florida. His father was a big figure with the Teamster's union in his time.
I remember plenty of stories This man told me! His full name was Robert M. Felice and will be missed dearly by many and will never be forgotten. He is survived by two son's that live in Florida to this day. Which do not even know about their father death. Robert Jr. & Anthony, which whom I never met. The Florida FisherMan lived a particular life and was not supported by many. Regardless of this man's back ground or personal characteristic's, HE WAS KILLED! By a person who is scared to take a violation and responsibilty of their action's. My heart is hurt because of this! His birthday is OCTOBER 26. Robert Felice was 65 years old the day he was killed. He has no money and no support. i am looking to contact his son's but if all fail's I will be looking to put up the money to give him a proper fairwell. My heart goes out to him and his family and anyone ever affected by a situation such as a hit in run! Please come foward with any information....

thediller265@yahoo.com

Pictured: Keath Sodapop, Robert M. Felice, & Charlie

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

RIP RAMONE

Chicago - A city snowplow driver found a bicyclist dead in a South Side street Monday afternoon after an apparent hit-and-run crash.

The city snow-plow driver called 911 about 6 p.m. after he saw a man lying in the 300 block of West Pershing Road, police News Affairs Officer Veejay Zala said.

The unidentified man, believed to be in his 40s, was pronounced dead at 6:29 p.m. at University of Illinois Medical Center, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

Sources said the man was riding a bicycle when he was apparently struck by a vehicle.

The motorist did not stay on the scene and police are investigating the incident as a hit-and-run, police said.

An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, the medical examiner’s office said.

The police Major Accident Investigation Unit is investigating.

RIP Robert M. Felice

ksodapop

This is a sad story. I personally knew the man and helped take of him. This was MY GUY! He was currently living in the Bridgeport area of Chicago. Originally he is from Brooklyn, New York. He was a good friend of my Mother's. I hope the Police help solve this case and I will help in any way possible. If you would like to get a picture of him please email me. He was know as the Florida FisherMan! Before he came to Bridgeport he resided in Florida with his Mother. His father and mother seperated and his father was in New York when they went to Florida. His father was a big figure with the Teamster's union in his time.
I remember plenty of stories This man told me! His full name was Robert M. Felice and will be missed dearly by many and will never be forgotten. He is survived by two son's that live in Florida to this day. Which do not even know about their father death. Robert Jr. & Anthony, which whom I never met. The Florida FisherMan lived a particular life and was not supported by many. Regardless of this man's back ground or personal characteristic's, HE WAS KILLED! By a person who is scared to take a violation and responsibilty of their action's. My heart is hurt because of this! His birthday is OCTOBER 26. Robert Felice was 65 years old the day he was killed. He has no money and no support. i am looking to contact his son's but if all fail's I will be looking to put up the money to give him a proper fairwell. My heart goes out to him and his family and anyone ever affected by a situation such as a hit in run! Please come foward with any information....

thediller265@yahoo.com


Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local-beat/Bicyclist-Killed-in-South-Side-Hit-and-Run-114122669.html#ixzz1BUsuoAUz

RIP FloridaFisherMan!

A bicyclist was found dead by a city snow plow driver Monday evening after a possible hit-and-run accident.

The driver saw a man lying in the 300 block of West Pershing Road, the Sun Times reports. The man was pronounced dead at 6:29 p.m. He is believed to be in his 40s.

Police are investigating the incident as a hit-and-run, according to the Sun Times. An autopsy is planned for today.



Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local-beat/Bicyclist-Killed-in-South-Side-Hit-and-Run-114122669.html#ixzz1BUsuoAUz

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Keath Sodapop








3x3 inches
Keath Sodapop