riding in the dark on a road and not on a trail, a shame but what do you expect.

Sue, I have seldom seen a more heartless and ignorant comment. I worked with Kirsten and she deserved better. What do you know about the situation? In case you didn't know, cars are required by law to share the road with bicycles.

I agree Will. My husband often rides early in the morning so as to avoid stupid drivers who constantly ignore bicyclists. I'm sorry for your loss.

hate to break it to you, It was not dark, at 6:45 in the morning. Rest in peace, Kirsten. What a tragic accident

Very sad to hear about this happening. Don't know Kirsten, but to hear about a young life cut short is a tragedy. As for Sue's comment, that's got to be one of the most calloused replies I've ever seen.

My thoughts exactly Will! Sue you clearly know nothing about the situation and if you actually knew Kirsten then you would know that's how she commuted to and from work. Regardless, people should should pay more attention to their surroundings while driving. My heart goes out to Kirsten's family.

Sue is heartless!....I only know Kirsten from being a friend with my daughter and I met her once. This was the way she traveled to and from work to make a living....she was familiar with the road. I don't know what happened but I do know many drivers don't pay attention, go too fast, text, and talk on the phone while driving.....WAKE UP!...Only drive and pay attention to the road and what is on it. We have lost a beautiful, hardworking person. My prayers to her family.

I have alot of miles running on area roads and I've had some close calls. Pay attention to your driving! Some people feel fat and safe in their giant SUVs and they don't worry about hurting anyone else. Share the road with others and get that cell phone out of your ear. You are not the center of the universe.

On the subject at hand, I'm very sorry to hear of this news and I wish Kirsten's family the best. I didn't know her personally, but I know people who did.

Onto some of the comments: clsb, the opposite is true for jogging paths. Would you prefer if those were clogged with cyclist traffic going 15-25 mph causing a danger to runners and I've seen that kind of accident too... usually ending similarly to a car v cyclist.

Sure some roads are better than others. I agree with you there. It's painfully obvious that the infrastructure in this area is severely lacking (shortcoming of integrated paths, lack of shoulders, etc.) and the last thing I've noticed is that bicycling safety laws aren't marketed. I'm constantly surprised by how few people know about them.

Once again, my sincerest condolences to those who knew Kirsten.

To clarify, I said that Sue's comment was heartless and ignorant, not that she is. It's an important distinction. It's a strong opinion but then what do you expect?

I think I wnderstand what Sue is trying to say, I hope she just picked the wrong words to say it because no one can be that hartless! carl p

You need to learn to spell!!!!

I really feel sorry for Kirsten and those close to her.
As far as careless drivers, there are many and those of you who have responded thinking a careless driver is just dangerous to bicyclists. the fact is a careless driver is a careless driver to all, especially other cars. I hate to say it, but I don't think that will change anytime soon.
We need people to get along first off and just look at the people running this country, they, as leaders act like children and cannot get along and ultimately it is those people who sign and enact the legislation necessary.
For those of you drivers who do not think bikes should be on the road, then become active in helping to establish bike paths. Both sides need to get involved and contact local and state authorities/politicians and tell them to act.

A comment from Chris Zang was deleted for violating Patch terms regarding language.

AMS stated that he/she was there at the time of the accident and it was pitch black. Again, most of you on this site have failed to recognize two very important facts: number one, bikers also have a major responsibility in their safety, just as drivers do. NO ONE should be riding on these roads in this area in the dark! Period! Secondly, not every accident which occurs with a biker is the car driver's fault!!! Sometimes it's the biker's fault, or actually no one's fault!!! There are times when the driver CAN'T see the biker because of darkness or blind spots, and then the unfortunatel driver of the car has to go through his/her life with this burden because of the biker. If you're going to spout off your opinions here, at least recognize all of the facts, and be aware that there are always two sides! And again, like it or not, it is risky to ride on these types of roads on a bike! I wouldn't choose to skydive because it is extremely risky. Many people choose to, but I wouldn't do those types of risky activities.

Sunrise was 7:17, so I hope Kirsten had the appropriate lighting. I would assume she did if shewas a regular commuter. i commute occassionally and got some crazy super bright and flashing lights a Exton Bicycles and I am sure I am seen.
I know as a driver, it is tough to see cyclists at times. They can never have too many lights.The law is I only need one front light between dusk and dawn, but it is really wise to light up like a xmas tree. It would be different it bikes were expected to be on the road at that time but it is rare to see, so it may be tough to lay blame on the driver until the facts come out.
The real fact it is a real shame this had to happen

clsb, I don't feel I have to justify anything. I stand behind my remarks without reservation. How is it that the first remark from someone - absent any facts - is to blame the person who was killed? Maybe you should wait to understand before shooting from the hip. Or at least take into account that she was an actual human being with family and friends.

People need to understand that driving a car isn't a right; it's a privilege. Every moment you step into that vehicle, you're taking other's safety into your hands. Cyclists, other motorists, pedestrians, yours...

I get just as frustrated at other drivers while driving my own car as I do riding my bike, seeing the mindless things they do. Maybe just a little bit of critical thinking and focus and we would have much safer road ways.

I am appalled at how callus this conversation is! CLSB, you clearly have nothing better to do with your time! You’re arguing with Will over what was clearly a very terrible comment on Sue’s part. You’re writing back and forth to people who have misspelled words! You’re calling people that you have enraged idiots! Who are you? What kind of a person does this? We are talking about a person here that lost her life! A person you don’t even know! So why are you even involved in this discussion at all? Who has this much time to comment on something that has nothing to do with them? You are making it appear to everyone that you have no compassion! Same goes for Sue for that matter.

Kirsten was a great friend! I am completely devastated that this happened. She has traveled that road everyday that she has to work, to and from, for about 6 years now. There are no surprises on that road that she was unaware of. She always traveled with traffic and always on the shoulder. I am very familiar with her bike. It had the proper reflectors and lights on it. She never crossed out of a side street into traffic. It was just a straight run for her. I drive the same stretch of road to the same place of work and have passed her many times over the years without hitting her. This was her only mode of transportation. If there was a bike path or a bike trail that led directly to work, of course she would have used it. She had just as much a right to be on the road as any driver does.
This is a horrible accident! None of us are ever going to know exactly who did what and how the entire incident went down. It’s something that’s going to bother me forever. I’m going to miss her terribly!

Thank you Lou. This article that everyone is commenting on is about a young girl who died today. Have some respect! The PRIDE of commenting back and forth to prove your point and to show everyone that your opinion is right........ is WRONG. God bless Kirsten, her family and friends.

People should also not drive drunk...or near drunk!!!!!!! Especially not 1st thing in the morning!