by 
Ghost bike serves as a memorial for a lost cyclist and as a warning to drivers to be aware.
John Hernandez | Miner
San Manuel Miner
The Tri-Community has become a popular place for cyclists. Bicycle riders can be seen going up and down Highway 77 and on the back road from Oracle to San Manuel. Oracle is now a site for a collegiate race which has drawn hundreds of cyclists. Clubs are using the roads for training and recreational cycling.
The recent tragic death of Dr. Ralph “Rafe” Sagarin , 43, in a vehicle-bicycle collision on Highway 77 between the Biosphere 2 and Oracle was avoidable. Gary L. Colvin was allegedly driving his truck while impaired when it struck Sagarin’s bike from the rear.
Dr. Sagarin was an associate University of Arizona research scientist working at Biosphere 2. He was to lead the ocean ecosystem and had plans to convert the ecosystem to be something more like the Sea of Cortez which lies within the Sonoran Desert.
The accident brings up questions about the public awareness of motorists and bicycle safety. Some rules for motorists and bicyclists to follow that make sharing the road safer are compiled here:
Safety Tips for Motorists
• By law, cyclists are deemed to be drivers of vehicles and are entitled to the same rights as motorists while on the road.
• When the situation calls for it, give cyclists the right of way as you would a pedestrian.
• Always yield to bicyclists at crosswalks (marked or unmarked) especially when turning right on red.
• When you pass a cyclist always reduce your speed and allow as much room as possible with a minimum of at least three feet between your vehicle and the bicycle.
• Slow down near schools, parks and residential areas. Children can be unpredictable when riding their bicycles.
• Stop behind the stop bar at all intersections. Do not stop in the crosswalk.
• Don’t blast your horn when approaching bicyclists. This may startle them and cause them to swerve or crash in front of you.
Safety Tips for Cyclists
• Familiarize yourself with all traffic laws and cycling rules. Do not run stop signs or red lights or use the wrong side of the street. Always use your hand signals when making a turn or changing lanes.
• When riding in groups it is best to ride single file. Sometimes there are times it is safe to ride two abreast provided you are not blocking traffic. Riding responsibly and following traffic laws fosters respect and a friendlier environment between motorists and cyclists.
When riding in traffic, stay as far to the right as practical. Always allow yourself enough room for an emergency and do not ride so far to the right that you run the risk of hitting the curb or of running off the pavement. Sometimes you may encounter a situation where there is not enough room on the right of a traffic lane. You may need to enter the traffic lane. Do so as safely as possible making sure you use the proper hand signals when entering the lane.
• Always wear a safety helmet.
• Drive defensively. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and watch for hazards on the road. It is unsafe to wear headphones while riding. Be aware of weather and make sure to check your breaks before going down steep hills.
• Make your presence known. Wear bright color clothing. Make eye contact with motorists when possible. Let them know you are there. At night or in inclement weather you should have a headlight on your bike and use reflective lights in the front, side and rear that make you visible from all directions.
Near the location where Rafe Sagarin died, friends have put up a memorial. It is a bike painted completely white. Someone also left flowers, a sea shell and toy fish. This memorial is known as a “Ghost Bike”. The idea is similar to the “Desconsados” or crosses and memorials you see on the roadsides, only the Ghost Bikes are also used to remind motorists and cyclists to drive/ride safely and share the road.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
by by