The six-mile ride included several bicyclists who had been hit by cars, including Gabriela O’Shea, who was seriously injured in a hit-and-run crash the year before. The 125-plus riders urged the construction of more paved shoulders, the passage of a law protecting bicyclists from passing cars, and a general awareness among motorists and bicyclists that the roads should be shared.
Gabriella O’Shea still can’t ride a bicycle on her own, but she’s healed enough that she’s ready to speak out about the dangers faced by anyone who pedals along the roads.
The young New Paltz woman who was seriously injured after being struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding her bicycle on Rt. 299 on Sept. 11 has made great strides in her recovery, now speaking in whole sentences and paragraphs, and not just eating but “savoring” food.
Stephen O’Shea said that his daughter has regained consciousness and is responsive, but has not yet spoken. “She is making steady improvement,” he said.
Our collective efforts have paid off, with Ulster County paving shoulders from the Carmine Liberta Bridge up to Butterville Road — and they did this in just two days. Incredible! But the work is not done and neither are our efforts.
The improvements include buffered bicycle lanes and stiffer penalties written into share-the-road laws.
Two benefits have been scheduled to assist with Gaby’s medical care.
We were deeply saddened to hear that a local bicyclist was hit from behind while cycling on Route 299 near
New Paltz Police arrested Amy B. Ashkenas, 49, of New Paltz, and charged her with leaving the scene of a
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