Cauldron

Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: Other News

Media Credit: Amber Chemam Bike rider Megan Hurwitt, senior communication major, displays her damaged property.

Senior Megan Hurwitt was hit by a car while bicycling at the corner of West Alabama and Graustark streets on Aug. 26 around 10 p.m. Hurwitt said she received a laceration on her arm that required nine stitches, and a blood clot in her leg that caused significant swelling and temporarily required crutches to walk.

Hurwitt said she was riding her bicycle from Guinan Hall to the nearby Kroger to buy bottled water when she was hit in front of the Moran Center Parking Garage. Hurwitt had begun to cross West Alabama Street when she noticed a car approaching on her left, so she sped up to avoid a collision. However, by crossing into the next lane, she came in the direct path of a 1993 Ford Mustang.

The vehicle hit her on her right side, and Hurwitt said her body flipped over the hood of the car and into the windshield. The car then came to a sudden stop, and she rolled back down the hood.

"If I had not been on the car, they likely would have driven off," Hurwitt said.

"Eventually, I was able to sit up, but I was still dizzy and disoriented. The occupants of the car came out repeating, in Spanish, 'It's not my fault!'"

Hurwitt said she tried asking the driver to call 911, but he refused because he said he had no license or insurance. Hurwitt said she called 911 and was able to tell the operator that she was hit by a car but was too disoriented to say where she was.

One of the witnesses who had gathered around the scene took charge and let the 911 operator know the situation and location of the accident. Hurwitt was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where she was treated and released early the next morning.

Hurwitt said the ambulance arrived immediately. "It was the fastest response time I've ever seen," she said. "They take bike accidents very seriously."

She said she knew to be cautious crossing the busy street, but with the street lights out, her vision was limited.

"People drive too fast on West Alabama, and the lights on West Alabama are always going out," Hurwitt said. "Your eyes don't have time to adjust."

Hurwitt said she did not notify UST Security, and the driver filed report with the Houston Police Department. Hurwitt said she ultimately decided not to press any charges.

She said the wreck left her bicycle with a twisted front wheel, missing left pedal, dented frame and bent seat.

Hurwitt said she is now afraid to cross streets in Houston. "This is not a bike- friendly city," she said.

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