The bike/car collision this morning on NE Marine Drive happened in a location where Metro owns an easement for a future trail that would place the bikeway off the main road.
In a rare blend of advocacy and communications, Metro has posted a story on their website about the crash, saying that the collision, “highlights the importance of Metro’s work to close trail gaps” (but unfortunately calls it an “accident”).
In a statement, Metro President Tom Hughes added, “Although trails don’t eliminate the possibility of accidents, they make a big difference.”
Metro purchased the easement rights to the property adjacent to the intersection where Swan was hit (NE 122nd and Marine Dr) just last last month. The plan is to develop a trail to connect with the existing Marine Drive Trail in the future. (You might recall our story earlier this month about a Metro easement just east of this location near NE 185th.)
This morning’s crash occurred when 21-year old Robert Babb turned left from Marine Drive onto 122nd and struck 28-year old Karey Swan as she was riding her bike in the opposite direction. Swan, a seasoned bike racer who lives in Portland, was taken to Legacy Emanuel Hospital and is undergoing surgery for her injuries.