Accident today
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 593
Likes: 256
From: Philly area
Accident today
Earlier today I was driving with my wife down Rt 202. I noticed a sizable Harley riding group, which I somewhat envied, as I'd wiped out earlier in the day but got away with a sore forearm, a tiny tear in my Klim Outriders, and a bruised ego. Then I had to stop behind other cars a little further up. Some people were animated, and I thought someone just had a breakdown. Then I started to turn around and saw the accident. I think it was someone from that Harley group. I think it was 2 bikes down, at least one wrecked. I think one person was on the pavement, in a red shirt, not moving.
I don't know who these people were, but I pulled over next to some of them further up the road after turning around, and asked if the person was one of theirs. They tore off to find out. I hope that whoever it was ended up either OK, or that they didn't suffer. I don't have much hope for the former. I couldn't see clearly, but it looked bad, and 202 was still closed when we came back that way a few hours later. This is all the detail I've been able to find out so far: https://bucks.crimewatchpa.com/warri...rt-202-parkway
If anyone knows who it was that got hurt, or was from that group, please let us/me know where we can send donations to try to help.
I don't know who these people were, but I pulled over next to some of them further up the road after turning around, and asked if the person was one of theirs. They tore off to find out. I hope that whoever it was ended up either OK, or that they didn't suffer. I don't have much hope for the former. I couldn't see clearly, but it looked bad, and 202 was still closed when we came back that way a few hours later. This is all the detail I've been able to find out so far: https://bucks.crimewatchpa.com/warri...rt-202-parkway
If anyone knows who it was that got hurt, or was from that group, please let us/me know where we can send donations to try to help.
Last edited by Packgrog; Apr 13, 2019 at 09:52 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 593
Likes: 256
From: Philly area
Unfortunately it is now confirmed that the rider didn't make it. I won't post the article link, but it's on the same site above. Apparently one of my wife's former coworkers knew the guy.
If I find any information about where to donate for memorial, I will share that information here.
If I find any information about where to donate for memorial, I will share that information here.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 593
Likes: 256
From: Philly area
I heard through the grapevine that he'd just bought the Sporty that day. How new he was to riding in general I don't know, but he was definitely new to that bike. Damn shame.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 593
Likes: 256
From: Philly area
We've found the obituary info. There is nothing in there about motorcycling as one of his interests, so I get the feeling his family may not want to think about that part. It's a sad irony that the funeral home is on Harleysville Pike.
https://www.williamsbergeykoffel.com...dley-brad-hess
I could easily attend the service this evening, but I don't feel it would be appropriate. I never met the man. Had motorcycling been a more integral part of his life as a whole, maybe. Godspeed, Brad.
https://www.williamsbergeykoffel.com...dley-brad-hess
I could easily attend the service this evening, but I don't feel it would be appropriate. I never met the man. Had motorcycling been a more integral part of his life as a whole, maybe. Godspeed, Brad.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
Shame only 26. Overshot the turn, either going to fast entering it or new and not really comfy with countersteering. I see it with new riders alot. It was pa did he have a helmet on?
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 593
Likes: 256
From: Philly area
I didn't get a close enough look to see, but it didn't look like it. Also looked like he was just in a t-shirt. Nobody else in the group he was with was wearing helmets or jackets. As there's nothing in the obit about his riding interest, I don't know how much experience he had prior to getting the Sporty. PA law does require wearing a helmet if you only have a permit and/or if you've only been riding for less than a year. There's no law about jackets or armor, though.
Ultimately, it's each rider's choice. I could never get on a bike without full gear, but I know from bicycle accidents in my youth that screw-ups happen enough, my fault or not, to err on the side of caution. Now, whether gear would have mattered in a head-on with an SUV when both parties are going about 45mph is another question...
I have to admit that I'm spooked. I'm not ready to give up yet, as I've worked very hard to get to this point, even while still definitely being a beginner. Hopefully I can keep this out of my mind for further practice, and just focus on changing my habits to avoid similar mistakes.
Ultimately, it's each rider's choice. I could never get on a bike without full gear, but I know from bicycle accidents in my youth that screw-ups happen enough, my fault or not, to err on the side of caution. Now, whether gear would have mattered in a head-on with an SUV when both parties are going about 45mph is another question...
I have to admit that I'm spooked. I'm not ready to give up yet, as I've worked very hard to get to this point, even while still definitely being a beginner. Hopefully I can keep this out of my mind for further practice, and just focus on changing my habits to avoid similar mistakes.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
Dam. I ride in pa once or twice a year and always keep my lid on. Felt weird the one time i took it off. It wasnt comforting seeing the younger guys in my group with little expeiriance go helmetless. If he hit someoone head on then yeah probably not too much of a difference. I tell new riders all the time dont ride in groups until you know what you are somewhat doing. Not only do you put everyone else at risk but you try and keep up past your skill level.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 593
Likes: 256
From: Philly area
I strongly suspect that was the case here. He was also at the back of the pack, which is contrary to what I've read about proper group riding. My recollection is: stick to groups of 6 or smaller, keep the most experienced riders in front and back. This guy had one other guy with him, I believe. Back of the pack near the center line seems (to me) like a bad place to put a newbie with an experienced group. But it's not my place to pass judgement. As a newbie, I would not feel comfortable in that situation. But I'm also more cautious, more accepting of being "the dorky one", and less prone to push beyond my comfort zone to try to impress other people than someone his age may have been. Damn shame.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
I feel really bad for the kids family. Usually when i was with a new rider i would stay next to them in the back(we rode 2 x 2 x 2) and i could talk to him and teach as we went. We rode his pace and when we hit the back roads i let him lead and give pointers at our destination. Not that i was the best rider but im pretty good for 12 years on the road. I hate seeing people push new riders to go beyond what is sane, and i know people do it. He just bought a sporty he should be 1 on 1 with a friend who knows his stuff teaching him the ropes. Basic slow manuevering, proper braking, leaning. Just a dam shame.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bagman1
General Harley Davidson Chat
186
Sep 28, 2014 04:02 PM
capt775
General Harley Davidson Chat
25
Sep 28, 2007 11:29 PM