May 9, 2008
Bicyclist "Headed to Louisiana" Snarls Traffic on I-5

Not the Bicyclist(s) in Question--Photo Courtesy of Seattlest Flickr Contributor Josh Larios
As a driver, we admit we've cursed our bicycle brethren more than once and occasionally blamed them for things far beyond their two-wheeled control. That being said, we've never blamed cyclists for interstate or highway traffic, but after an incident on I-5 yesterday, that may change.
A bicyclist caused a big traffic snafu on I-5 after he pedaled down the HOV lane and crossed all five lanes of traffic during yesterday's commute. Drivers slammed on the brakes and swerved to avoid the cyclist, who according to witnesses, seemed to be in no particular hurry and unaware of the death trap he'd placed himself in. An off-duty police officer stopped the out-of-place bicyclist who said he was "riding his bike to Louisiana to help his brother." State troopers responded to the scene and took the 25-year-old bicyclist into custody and later to Harborview for a psychiatric evaluation. Luckily, no one was hurt in this bizarre incident, though the bicyclist will likely get a ticket for biking on the highway.



It makes sense. You try driving the backroads to Louisiana? It takes for ever and is dangerous once you cross the Mason-Dixon.
As an avid bike commuter who believes that we are traffic too and that we should have all the same rights to the road that drivers do... I think this guy is a total idiot. Crazy or not, we don't get to ride on I5 for a reason.
dumb ass.
As a Louisiana native and former Seattle resident, I'm really curious if the cyclist was taken in for psychiatric evaluation for for wanting to go to Louisiana, for being unaware of the traffic hazard...or perhaps to protect him from the angry commuters?
Has anyone read The Memory of Running? It's this exact story, minus the traffic. (actually a very good book - I highly recommend it)