Settlement Paid to Bike Crash Victim Seen as Extravagant Sum

I am an enthusiastic cyclist who enjoys riding the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve bike path. It is true that the bike path tends to get puddles after the rains--just like freeways, city streets and school yards.

However, it should not be one of the main reasons for paying such an extravagant settlement.

Any adult who rides a bike should understand that he/she can become involved in an accident. Therefore we all need to take precautions. Riding at high speeds is a ticket to an accident no matter where one rides. Just like snow skiing, roller-blading, skateboarding and horseback riding. It is a risk of the sport that one personally ventures into.

Mr. James P. Murphy probably would have had fewer head injuries had he worn an approved helmet.

It makes me furious to see anyone be awarded such a huge amount of money for a mistake made by the person himself.

Mr. Murphy reminds me of those who travel their regular speeds in a car in the rain, fog or snow. When conditions are unsafe, it is really up to us individually to make adjustments so we can travel safely.

I hope that many (non-helmeted) cyclists will purchase one and wear it. Accidents can happen to all of us.

It should not be up to the city and state to pay for mistakes that we make ourselves.

A.D. SMITH

Newport Beach