[tbc] FW: biking incident

[Robert McCallum]

I feel that TBC must respond to this vicious attack.  I suggest that the excellent, well-written report by Eve O'Kelley (with names removed where possible to protect the victims) be brought to, at least, the following:

Tulsa Police Department
Tulsa County Sheriff Department
Tulsa Mayor's Office
Tulsa Parks Department
Incog
Oklahoma Bicycle Coalition
Possibly, Tulsa World news and Letters columns.

These terrorists need to be apprehended, brought to justice and removed from society.

Meanwhile, the word must be passed by any means to warn everyone to avoid the Osage Prairie Trail except in good-sized groups able to defend themselves.  This trail is too beautiful to be lost to vandals and terrorists.  On the Liberty Parkway Trail near Broken Arrow there is a sign recommending that persons use the trail with another person.  Signage such as this on the Osage might be necessary.  If legal help is needed in this matter, I'm sure many would be willing to contribute to a TBC effort in that regard.

Bob McCallum




----- Original Message ----
From: Eve O'Kelley <bikestgirl at cox.net>
To: TBC TBC <tbc at rootwizard.net>
Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 6:42:26 PM
Subject: [tbc] FW: biking incident


 
Subject: biking incident
Importance: High


    Yesterday, Sat., Feb. 9th, Brenda Rollins and I rode out to Sperry on the Osage Trail.  We saw several people on our way, a few cyclists but mostly kids and young people.   On our way back we turned into the neighborhood that you have to go through while the trail is closed for the Gilcrease construction.  
    There were 4 black teenage boys walking in the middle of the street and they must have heard us because they stepped apart (2 on each side) for us to ride through and just as we passed them the tallest one ran up to the back of Brenda's bike and kicked her tire trying to knock her down.  Fortunately, she was able to maintain control and stay upright.  I thought he'd thrown something at us and then I heard him running behind me and when I turned around to look I saw him reaching out to try and either catch me or kick me.  Then he said, "Hey white bitch, I'm gonna slap your face!"   
    We were riding faster by then but he was running as fast as he could and I could hear his feet slapping the pavement as he chased us.  I didn't think I was going to be able to out ride him but finally he stopped and we got away.  It was a terrifying experience.  
    We didn't call the police but I think I will call tomorrow and report the incident  (does anyone know the name of that street through the neighborhood?).  
    Also we noticed that there was glass numerous places along the trail that hadn't been there when we rode out.   It's unfortunate to have a trail that nice and then have it trashed and/or be terrorized by hoodlums.      
    This is to warn everyone to be very careful if you choose to ride that route.  Brenda and I will never ride on that trail again.  It is too dangerous.  It's chilling when I recall it and think about what could have happened had he knocked Brenda off her bike or caught me...Eve O'Kelley
 
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!  Live the life you've imagined.  As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler."...Henry David Thoreau
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