A Navy veteran struck from behind in Lakewood (southwest of Tacoma) is asking for the person who hit him to come clean. James “Jym” Kinney was biking home September 7 when the driver hit him and never stopped.
It’s been nearly a week since a Lakewood cyclist was injured in a hit and run. He’s now out of the ICU and talked to reporters from his room at Harborview Medical Center for the first time, urging the perpetrator to come forward.
“Do the right thing. Go to the police. Do what needs to be done,” he says.
Having the driver come forward would help him work toward forgiveness, he said. And he’s getting back on his bike as soon as he can:
“I’m working on being able to forgive. I’m really close to that. But everytime I hear ‘No leads,’” Kinney sighs. “There were no skid marks at all, the car just kept going. It makes (forgiveness) harder.”
Kinney says despite his injuries, he fully intends to get back on a bike.
“Life isn’t about the bike. The bike is about life,” he said.
Comments
13 responses to “King 5: Lakewood hit-and-run victim pleads for driver to ‘do the right thing’”
i was hit from behind in may in downtown seattle and the driver didn’t stay.
im convinced they didn’t even know they hit me and just kept going. the same maybe true here.
One of those situations where the longer one waits to get clean, the more tightly the conscience filth sticks. Guilt is like cement– it hardens over time.
“Life isn’t about the bike. The bike is about life.” — SIMPLY AWESOME
— this deserved a repost to my Facebook account
That is an awesome quote.
Brought a big smile to my face, first-class.
Get well soon, brother.
Helmet Mirror: “Bike Peddler Take A Look Cycling Eyeglass Mirror” Available at Amazon and your local bike shop. It’s saved my life a number of times as if I hear a car approaching I can look to see if they see me and are moving over. And if not, I have enough time to head for the ditch.
Still sounds like the driver was drunk. Amazing that no one else saw the accident either.
Almost convinces me to get one! I’ve always been of the opinion I’d prefer not to know when death is about to take me, but it sounds like it might be worth it.
I agree Gary. For a long time I used to think those petite little mirror things were from arrogant biking snobs until I started riding in more congested areas. Boy was I wrong. Now that I have owned one for quite some time, I don’t know how I got by without it. I’ve been so dependent on that mirror that I now feel vulnerable without it.
I wonder if there has been any attempt to document whether those mirrors make you safer. Probably hard to study…
I should give it a shot sometime.
Tom,
I don’t know if they make you safer but I know when I’m riding down Redmond-Fall City Road or equivalent, I sure do feel a lot safer knowing exactly how many cars are behind me w/o turning my head back for an extended time looking in my blind spot. The less time I have to do so, the more safer I feel as my vision is in front of me. Besides, I’m a bit older now and my neck doesn’t swivel on a dime anymore so it takes more effort and more time. Perhaps it’s all psychological — either way I believe I’m safer so that’s all that matters I guess?
this happens to be my dad. i can’t believe someone could be so stupid to hit a random biker! i love my dad and i miss him. and i’m angry at whoever hit him!
I don’t blame you Alee. We are all hoping he gets well soon.