it seems like a lot of death lately.

i don't know what it is about this year, but there have been so many deaths of bicyclists. i've personally known one - ariel / pigpen, and although she was not killed on her bike, that really affected me in a reality sense.

but in new york, and in boston (kirsten malone), cyclists seem to be on the receiving end of bodily harm more frequently. today, keith alexander died in NYC. no car was involved in his death.

that's the fifth or so death in recent memory - like, since january. and in those accidents where cars are involved, nobody has been charged. how does one hit a cyclist - literally run them over - and then continue on, not noticing. the police? "no charges have been filed". if a vehicle runs over a pedestrian, charges are filed - but if it's a bicyclist, it seems far less likely.

i've had a couple close calls this year: people just don't pay attention, they're too busy rushing around and talking on the cell. even in pedestrians i sense a "me first" mentality - screw the other guy, i'm in a rush and need to get where i'm going. is it people in general? i just feel like there is so much selfishness permeating our culture - maybe even the world. is there some way to combat this that we haven't yet discovered? what can be done? does anybody care?

i haven't been wearing a helmet like i should. i had one and lost it, but i'm buying another one this week. wear helmets. try to be safe. take care of yourself, and have consideration for others. these are things i need to remember.

so, RIP. you will all be missed.