The third picture should not be shown, please take it down.

You're both absolutely correct. The photo was uploaded, and after discussions with editors, we decided not to publish. Somehow, it was inadvertently published.

No problem. I really appreciate the feedback.

It says, "Werth said that police believe the bicyclist veered off the shoulder into the lane." I would be interested in why they believe that! Did they hear it from the man who hit him?? Michigan Law allows for a cyclist to take up an ENTIRE lane when need be. I certainly hope there is a follow up to this story.

I was over there shortly after it happened...I was on my way to Little Caesars and saw all the police and ambulance. What a sad story

Teresa...what was so bad about the 3rd picture? I didn't see it

Brian....when it is wet out...and raining....bicyclists need to use some common sense about when and where to ride a bike. 7 mile is a road that is quite hilly, and visibility is limited in many spots. So I don't think anyone should point their finger at the driver. Bicyclists, epecially those who have been drinking alcohol (as stated in the article)...need to use more common sense on nights like this one

Here's what I don't understand. How do the cops already know that alcohol was a factor for the man riding the bike? Seems very unlikely they could have tested his blood and found out results that quickly.

The Northville Police need to investigate this further. Pulling into the crime lab (???) a quarter of a mile away sounds fishy to me!

We stopped right after the accident occurred. The man was lying on the ground, unconscious and bleeding, bike mangled, and at least 9 to 14 full beer cans scattered from the impact. The young men driving the car stopped at the crime lab because it was the first driveway and opportunity to pull over. They placed the call to 911. They were devastated. This truly was an accident.

I agree Brian...I would like to hear a follow-up to this story. Just because the man on the bicycle had beer on him, doesn't mean he had been drinking up to that point.

Every time I see a biker I Pray for his safety. The drivers go too fast. They refuse to slow down.

I am an avid cyclist and ride on that road every week. The driver is definitely at fault here. No wonder he's devastated. He was likely on the phone when it happened. He doesn't even know what he hit which means he never saw the guy on the bike. Motorists all believe the road is theirs and no one elses. They are always irritated when they have to go around or god forbid slow down for a cyclist

This is BULLSHIT! Alcohol was involved because he just had purchased it at the store! Not because he was drinking it but because he was carrying it! The driver should be checked for DUI because he was killed by hitting their windshield. And they didn't know it? Your suppose to stop immediately,not drive away to the first driveway! There needs to be an investigation cause I am pointing a finger at the driver and he should be held accountable. You also shouldn't say the man was drinking either when you don't know! He lost his life and it's BULLSHIT that someone might get away with it! Yea he had family and friends and didn't deserve to die this way!!!!!!!!!!

I agree with Rick Canzano. Rich as for not pointing a finger at the driver you also do not pointe it at the biker when you do not know all the facts.

Two things need to happen... We need better reporting AND a complete police investigation. I am calling on all cyclists who read this to go to the Northville Police Department and demand that they do their due diligence! I plan to.

this was my brother he was not drinking he was 50 yards from his house a close friend was just with him 30 min. prior to this and said he was stone sober not drinking when you are hit at 45 mph i dont care if it is soda it will go everywhere he was my best friend and a experienced bike rider and a northville resident for 53 yrs on and off we are on this something in this story just doesent make sense i will post more later and read your comments

m-ashby, Im so sorry for your loss.

Tim Kelly is the only one who knows what he is talking about . The man lived right there in the north ridge condos he couldn't drive so he had to ride his bike. Any driver who could not see him doesn't belong on the road. It was raining but not dark so that is BUll Shit. I would like to know if the two people in the car were messing with the old man on the bike with a bag hanging from the handle bars making him look homeless and they didn't like that look in northville and they hit him instead of scaring him. It sounds suspicious to me.

That last comment was in anger I'm tired of everybody blaming the victim before they know what even happened I'm sure this was an unfortunate accident . Quit trying to blame alcohol on everything.

Thank you for your condolences. Our family is having a difficult time wrapping our heads around how this happend. I appreciate those who realize that just because someone is carrying beer to their homes doesn't mean they are drunk. We just can't fathom how the driver heard the hit but never saw it coming. I am curious about this reporters "sources" in the police dept, since they mentioned none of these "factors of the accident" she was told to us. I thank all for your concern, but kindly ask that you not post comments that are nasty until you know the facts.

I've just been scrolling back thru people's comments. I just feel the need to add, to the person that supposedly saw all these beer cans & could smell the alcohol....he had literally purchased a 12 pk of bottles so the smell was from broken, FULL, unopened beer bottles. Its no different from those of us who go grab some beer in our cars...does that make everyone guilty of driving drunk simply because you wanted to buy some beer to take home? The person that this reporter spoke to had no info @ that time. He's not involved with the case. He was a very experienced cyclist & would never have veered into traffic...especially when that is a 2 ft shoulder! To make assumptions about the VICTIM is very wrong. What they cant tell us yet is if they even took blood from the driver who caused our family to lose our special brother. What is it about this soceity automatically blaming the victim?!

I agree with you Jo and with M-Ashby. M- Ashby my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.

I agree with Greg Meadows on both of his comments. So if it was raining. dark, fog, what ever. The drivers should slow down and be aware of there surroundings be more careful. But they are not I see it everyday. How about the person that was hit when crossing the street. Would you say he was drinking? Just Saturday morning it was raining and this red truck was going down 12 mile at about 70 miles. If there was someone crossing or riding a bike they would have been hit.

I had to identify my brother today at the wayne county examiner. it was my brother
they could only show us part of his face i have no words but to say it was bad i will post again after i pull myself back together.

This was a tragic accident and I agree that motorists have little respect for bicycles on the roads. Most drivers do not want to share the roads, and sometimes seem to go out of their way to harass riders, off the road. I am not saying that this was the case this time, but it's just another sad scenario of our society, as a whole. I do believe riding a bike at night without proper lights is extremely dangerous and I am unsure if this rider had lights or any riding gear on? I also think motorists are too agressive and in a big hurry, for what ?

Just for everyone's information, our brother did have lights, reflectors, and proper safety gear on his bike. It was raining but not dark. If they were looking at the road in front of them at all they would've had to see him. We appreciate all of your prayers & will continue to update as more info comes in.

my kids keep asking where is there uncle we want to go for a bike ride its nice out call him

I am so sorry for your loss m-ashby. My heart goes out to you and your family. Please consider contacting the League of Michigan Bicyclists (http://www.lmb.org/). They are advocating for stronger laws to protect bikers and could probably recommend a lawyer if you want to explore suing the driver.

I agree completely with Nothville mom what she had to say to Linda Mimnaugh comment. I think the bicylist have every right to be on the road.

Ladies and Gentleman, it is not an opinion that a cyclist should have the right to use a lane of the road, it is LAW. I will be at the Police Department on Monday to demand a thorough investigation and I hope other informed cyclists will do the same. Thanks!

The law clearly allows a cyclist to move away from the "right-hand curb"...

257.660a Operation of bicycle upon highway or street; riding close to right-hand curb or edge of roadway; exceptions.

Sec. 660a.

A person operating a bicycle upon a highway or street at less than the existing speed of traffic shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except as follows:

(a) When overtaking and passing another bicycle or any other vehicle proceeding in the same direction.

(b) When preparing to turn left.

(c) When conditions make the right-hand edge of the roadway unsafe or reasonably unusable by bicycles, including, but not limited to, surface hazards, an uneven roadway surface, drain openings, debris, parked or moving vehicles or bicycles, pedestrians, animals, or other obstacles, or if the lane is too narrow to permit a vehicle to safely overtake and pass a bicycle.

(d) When operating a bicycle in a lane in which the traffic is turning right but the individual intends to go straight through the intersection.

(e) When operating a bicycle upon a 1-way highway or street that has 2 or more marked traffic lanes, in which case the individual may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of that roadway as practicable.

Webpage...
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/%28S%28txlb0g45nwnadkiayjy5wfif%29%29/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-257-660a&query=on&highlight=bicycle

I don't think all this bickering and getting fired up is really helping at this time. Let the family process the loss of a loved one. If you wish to leave a thought, why not let it be a condolence.

Brian....ourfamily truly appreciates your support. Unfortunately though, I don't think the police are going to release any info to you, as they haven't finished their investigation, & won't even give us, his family answers yet. He was not only my husband's brother, but a best friend to him. They grew up in Northville & since my brother-in-law was unable to drive, he was well versed in the laws. Ecnalubma, this family has been put thru so much this past year, including the death of their father, & now brother. Please don't use this site to argue w/ strangers. If you believe this news outlet is so "two-bit", why are you even on it? We need the community's support right now, & nothing more. When he was killed, it was not dark, but it was raining. There is a large storm drain in the roadway that is almost completely plugged w/ debris. The area was flooded due to this & he had every right within the law to go around it. As I said before, if the driver had been looking @ the road ahead he would've had more than enough time to avoid this. While I do feel for the driver, I would never be able to live w/ myself, he killed our brother & should pay for that to the fullest extent of the law.

M. Ashby, on behalf of the bicycling community, I would like to offer your family a ghostbike. You can contact us on Facebook under Michigan ghostbikes.
So terribly sorry for your loss, and the thoughtless comments.

Clearly the driver was not paying attention. How do you not see a cyclist with reflectors and in front of you if you are looking where you are going? Unsafe/wreckless driving results in the death of a vulnerable roadway user. He should be charged with a felony. He drove carelessly and killed a legal roadway user.

Support Vulnerable User Penalties in Michigan! http://www.lmb.org/index.php/Advocacy/vulnerable-user.html

Krdunnam, we genuinely appreciate the gesture. We'd love to take you up on the offer for a ghostbike. Only problem is we do not associate with Facebook. Is there a better way to get in touch with you? And ecnalumba, your condolences are much appreciated. Thank you for being so respectful to our family in this very difficult time. Not sure if anyone caught fox2 news last night, but they ran a story on him. You can still check it out at myfoxdetroit.com

Well we had a private memorial service for Jerry today. Watching my husband lose control like he did made me all that more determined to bring justice for his brother. No one deserves to die this way......it's just so hard. I know everyone has busy lives but if you guys could stay w/ us & keep supporting our family, & pursuing the truth & justice for Jerry it would really mean a lot to us.

Ashby family from Oregon
I have been on the internet every day trying to locate a Northville newspaper with the report of the car/bike fatality that occurred on Sept 9-2011. Finally today I located this article. I have also read all of the blogs. I see several people jumping to conclusions and making insensitive accusations without having the facts. I hope the police will do a thorough investigation. The man that was killed was my cousin. He was a special guy, much loved, and will be greatly missed. We have had two deaths in our family this year. Please people show some consideration.

My husband and I are avid long distance cyclist. We have personally experienced that cars are often not watchful or willing to share the road with cyclist. We are fortunate in Oregon that many of our cities now also have off road cycling/walking paths. Thanks to the people in bike clubs (like me) uniting for better laws and designated bike lanes to make cycling a safer sport and a non polluting way to commute to and from. Jo-Ann

Let me first offer my condolences to the family and friends of this person. This is obviously a great tragedy for them, and I hope their faith, family and friends help them through this.

Secondly, any accident of this nature should of course be thoroughly investigated, to ensure there was no alcohol, drugs, or recklessness/negligence on the part of the drivers. Depending on the context, criminal charges, or at least a civil suit, might be appropriate.

That said, it is unfair to make negative assumptions and charges against the drivers here without evidence. The current sunset time is 7:46, so presumably, it was in fact getting dark at the time of the accident (sometime before 8:00, presumably not long before then). A heavy rain, especially at dusk, can make it almost impossible to see someone like a biker. Presumably, the police officer would not have said that alcohol was a factor unless they first tested the rider. (Alcohol is fairly easy to test for.) And even if he was cold sober, carrying a 12 pack (or case) of beer can make it difficult to ride steadily.

No one is saying that the rider deserved to be hit. No one does, regardless of whether they're riding in the rain, or in the dark, or even while buzzed. We've all done that. The question is whether the drivers were truly culpable here, or whether this was an unavoidable accident. If the rider did indeed suddenly veer into the lane, for any reason, we can't really fault the drivers.

Regarding bicycle rights on the road: I like to cycle, and I've logged hundreds of miles in the area. But cyclists need to be realistic, and careful. Regardless of what the laws of Michigan may say, the laws of physics trump them. And a bike will lose a contest with a 2000 lb car every time.

As noted, bikes need to stay far to the right, in the shoulder, unless there's a compelling reason to move into the center lane. Any sudden shifts into traffic (which may or may not have occurred here) is asking for trouble. Cyclists need to be hyper-aware of their surroundings, and need to check carefully before moving into traffic lanes.

I've seen some rude and careless driving by cars (as both a cyclist and motorcyclist), but I've also seem some very rude and reckless riding by cyclists. I've seen groups of cyclists take up full road lanes, even though they were going much slower than the speed limit. That's simply inappropriate, and asking for problems. No one would appreciate someone driving 40 mph on the freeway, and it's in fact illegal, for obvious reasons. Similarly, no one, car or bike, should be blocking traffic and moving far below the speed limit on any road. That only encourages risky passing by cars, and guess what? If a car suddenly appears in the other lane, do you think the passing car will hit the oncoming car, or the smaller and therefore less dangerous bikes?

Bottom line, anytime you ride outside the shoulder, you're taking your life in your hands. (I'm not saying that happened here, I'm speaking generally.) This should only occur in emergency situations, when absolutely necessary, or in urban intersections, where everyone is moving slowly. If you're riding two or more abreast, you're asking to be hit. Cars have the right to move at normal speeds on the road, and it's simply unwise and reckless to block them unnecessarily. Cycling is healthy and green, but it doesn't give anyone the right to inconvenience or endanger others. (Creating bottlenecks in traffic endangers everyone.)

Cars need to be alert to cyclists, drive at reasonable speeds, and stay off shoulders. Cyclists need to be alert to cars, ride carefully with lights, reflectors, and reflecting clothing (when dark), and stay in shoulders.

But along with proper training/education for all users, cities/states need to provide adequate shoulders, bike lanes, and bike trails/paths. It shouldn't cost much to provide a 3-5 foot paved shoulder/lane/path on most roads and streets. That alone would ensure the safety of most cyclists. Bottom line, it's unrealistic to expect cars/bikes to simply share the road in most contexts, because they're very different vehicles that move at very different speeds. Bikes need their own designated areas where they can travel safely.

This is not about assigning blame, but preventing accidents in the future -- what really matters.

What really matters is to have a thorough, unbiased, criminal investigation by the Northville Township Police Department. I encourage this publication to have a follow up story in the very near future. There is obviously a lot of interest in justice being carried out and cyclists being safe in Northville Township. Lastly, too many people posting are clearly ignorant of the State of Michigan Laws pertaining to this type of situation and/or are adding nothing of additional value whatsoever.

John, well said, thank you!

I am stunned and sicken by this tragedy and reading all of these comments, so sorry for your loss and this is a absolute tragic story. I just moved to Northville from Livonia and I can tell you as a 32 year old women, I feel I have wonderful night vision. In Northville at night there is a significant difference of vision on the road compared to Livonia. Has the city ever considered lighting areas better with street lights? Such tragedies like this could be avoided if we consider asking for more lighting. I have noticed that I have a very hard time seeing at night and I think my vision is great compared to some. Many lives have been ruined on both sides due to death, loss and tragic accidents...could this all be avoided if we had better lighting in our city? Can we ask for our tax dollars to be spent on that? We sure do pay a pretty penny...

John, I appreciate your honesty and concern for making the roadways safer. That is something our family is also working on. I want you to know however, that shoulder was officially measured by the police at 4'3". Thats huge! Even if he swerved around that very plugged stormdrain, there was still another foot between him and the fog line (the white line onthe right). Jerry did have all the proper safety equipment on his bike and was a very skilled rider, even with a shopping bag on the front center of the handlebars. He was unable to drive, as previously posted, & has been carrying shopping bags this way for years. He's never lost control, ever, & I firmly believe thesituation was no different Friday night. While we are still waiting for the investigation to conclude, I truly believe these kids are at fault. They are truly kids, 18 years old, with minimal driving experience. Jerry had far many more years of driving and biking experience than these kids had combined! Listen VERY closely to the 911 call on fox news....then maybe you will understand why we feel this way. (Hint, the story changes from the beginning of the call, "I don't know what I hit",then as he walks back 1/4 mile to see what he hit, you can hear the realization in his voice when he says "oh my god it was a guy on a bike". He then immediately goes into "cover you ass mode", when he then says "i couldn't help it he was inthe middle of the road". Bullshit!

M. Ashby, thanks for reading my posts. Please let me give you golden advice at this point in time. Hire an attorney as soon as possible. You should be able to retain one on a contingency basis, so there should be no up front costs. In fact there should be little or no costs unless damages are won. Please remember, the police are only investigating this as a criminal case. Irregardless of how that turns out, you may still have a civil case. Either way, hiring an attorney will help you get through the confusion and may help keep the Police Department focused on the task at hand - focusing on the enforcement of laws and investigation on some occasions. Legal interpretation of the law belongs in the hands of the judicial system of government again supporting the point of hiring a good attorney.

M. Ashby, my condolences and good luck to you and your family. Unfortunately, there is an obvious bias favoring the driver of the motor vehicle here.

Yeah, we have noticed that as well. But we wont give up. Thanks again for all you've said and done to inform people about the laws & your support of our family. We plan on posting any info we can find out.

Hi everyone. We noticed the ghost bike was put up. Thank you so much for honoring our brother. We are on our way now to visit the site & add a picture to the ghost bike.

It is one week since my brother was killed. I have been reading everyone's comments and all I can say at this point is, this has been a tragic and I mean a tragic incident for everyone involved. Please pray for everyone involved in this incident. I am the sister of Jerry and we are all so very sadden and still getting over the shock, let's not jump to any conclusions until we have all the evidence and reports. Please pray for everyone. God bless Jerry may he rest in peace.

Just checking in....thanks again so much for the ghost bike. I hope it reminds everyone to be more careful, not just on 7 Mile, but on all roads. I'm not sure what the process is, but once it has to come down, is there a way we can keep it? If there is somewhere we can donate $ so that others having to endure this same tragedy can experience this kind gesture, please let me know. I've done some soul searching and realized, of course we are hurt & angry, no one deserves to die this way, I've also realized these are just kids who also need prayers & support. While I still believe there should be justice for Jerry, I don't want to see a young life ruined. Please extend prayers for Jerry & the boys. Hopefully we can make something good come out of this tragedy to make things safer so this doesn't continue to happen in the future. It would be great to have continued support to make that happen. Special thanks to Nancy for your continued support & effort in telling our story. We'll be in touch soon.

hi M Ashby, and Matt:) this is kelli (ohare) paslawksi. I grew up in Northville, worked with Matt and jerry back "in the day". I was quite close to Jerry in my younger years, He was a wonderful guy:) Always so nice to me and my mom. I was so sad llast night when i heard he was killed. In fact, i saw when you father in law passed away a while back, i thought it was my friend jerry. I hadnt seen jerry in so long, didnt know he was back in town. Just want to tell you i lost my brother as well and i have lived what you are living. my daughters, same thing, "when is uncle steve coming over". devasting. we are a praying family, so i am faithfully praying for you all. I seen the white bike the other morning before i even knew about the accident . I will be making my way to it. again, so sorry. I was hoping i would see jerry another time, to catch up and share life with him again.

john, cathy, jeanne, and matt, I'm so sorry to hear the news about your brother jerry! He was a good brother, uncle, and son! I feel so terrible for all of you! You all are in my thoughts and prayers! I am very sorry for your loss! Jenny T

well i cant talk to my brother but not one min. goes bye and i wonder how things are on the otherside hope its better

I want to update everyone on this situation. We finally got the autopsy/toxicology reports back from WCME. For everyone who tried to blame our brother or said that he was drunk just because he had purchased beer.....you're all wrong. The tox screen was completely negative. Not a drop of alcohol, no drugs, nothing. It just goes to show you, never make assumptions about people! We are now waiting for the Wayne Cty Prosecutors Office to make a final ruling regarding formal charges. As we've stated before, please continue to pray, not just for Jerry, but for the young boys involved.

M.Ashby I just found out about Jerry's tragic death. I am so sorry for all of you. Jerry and I dated back in high school during our Junior year, even went to homecoming together! I have a picture of us somewhere...he had on a pale blue suit with white platform shoes... I'd love to share it with you if you 'd like. My email address is tld2835@hotmail.com.... I noticed you also said you weren't on Facebook but if that is not the case you can also find me there. I also am sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Ashby too. My prayers are being directed to you and your family for such a tragic loss. Thanks, Teresa (Terri) Lamb Dellies

We've updated this story: http://patch.com/A-nk81
We'll also run another story tomorrow. Again, my condolences to the family. If you'd like to submit your own comments to be included in the story, feel free to email them to nancy.kelsey@patch.com

still here and still watching

checking in still no more posts

Nice to know that the person who killed a pedistrian Thursday night 2/2/12 was tested for alcohol but the person who killed my brother wasn't tested, I guess we will never know if alcohol was an issue for the person who killed my brother. Thanks. Oh, but the police said alcohol was a factor for my brother who was the innocent person here, and as it turns out, the autopsy report showed no alcohol or drugs. I think when there is a fatility and someone is killed a drug and alcohol test should be mandatory for the driver so the families of the victim will never have to wonder, and would have an answer to that question of whether alcohol or drugs was an issue. We will never know.

checking in again for my peaceof mind since my brother is not here not a day goes
buy that i dont think about him R.I.P JERR. YOUR LITTLE BROTHER.

I WILL NEVER FORGET ALL THE GOOD TIMES WE HAD MISS YOU BIG BROTHER
R.I.P. LITTLE BROTHER. XO

Eight months and counting R.I.P JERRY feels like years.

Matt to let you know you are alone! I miss Jerry a lot and I still can't over he's gone! Maybe time would heal faster and better if it hadn't been such a tragic way to go! He's still in our hearts and nothing will take away in our minds the fun times we had together. Please R.I.P. Jerry. Have solace Matt he loved having you as a brother!

Nine months and counting life just seems differant like a void L.B.

ten months still wait for that call still on the trail .

WELL IT IS ABOUT TO BECOME ONE YEAR AND I STILL GO THERE
TO THE SITE AND ASK WHY THE PHONE HAS NEVER GONE OFF WITH YOUR NUMBER MISS YOU AND YOU KNOW THIS L. B.

http://www.newhopecenter.net/
You're not going to find solace typing in all caps on a webpage.

jerry m ashby 9-9-11 my best friend was hit on his bike and killed it was one year ago today never a day goes buy that i dont think abaout you or the rest of this family
love L.B. 7.27 PM

Just letting all PEOPLE know i still wait for that call love L.B.

STILL here will not forget love L.B.

merry x-mass jerry love l.b.

Drove by your condo today wish you were there love L.B.

Never stop thinking about you L.B.