Gathering by the hospital where Nathan is still in a coma.
By Jeffery Marks on the BBC forum
Over 100 people attended the cyclists’ gathering and to pray for a speedy and full recovery for Nathan Krasnopoler. Nathan’s father spoke at the scene of the crash – Broadview Apts near Univ Pkwy and 39th street. Then our large group; including Nathan’s father, friends, and family; bicycled over to Johns Hopkins hospital, where Nathan who is still in a coma, is being treated. The family and others read a prayer and psalms for Nathan’s recovery. We then bicycled back to the crash site.
While I wish it were a happier occassion, I was encouraged by the large outpouring of support for Nathan. This included City Planners, Nate Evans city bicycle coordinator, advocates, Hopkins students, and professionals. I was thrilled by the many young people who came. These students and recent graduates are well educated and use their bicycles for transportation, physical fitness, and recreation.
Words and thoughts for Nathan’s healing.
https://www.baltobikeclub.org/index.php?option=com_agora&task=topic&id=883&Itemid=64
Photos by Galen Wallace: https://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=1611414806943&id=1283450031&aid=2078283 (I’m not sure if this link will work for everyone.)
More Photos: https://www.meetup.com/Biking-in-Bmore/photos/1297268/21918826/
At the Start of the ride.oldId.20110309215406752
Mitchell’s speech – March 9, 2011 Ride to Support Nathan We are gathered at this place to show our support for Nathan. I am here with his mother, Susan Cohen, his sister Emma, and brother Elliot. Elliot and I will be joining you on the ride to Johns Hopkins Hospital. Nathan is still in a coma as a result of the bike accident that happened right here at the Broadview Apartments. The police tell us that Nathan was wearing his helmet and riding in the northbound bike lane. He was struck by a northbound car turning across the bike lane into the driveway of the Broadview. The police investigation into what happened is ongoing. Contrary to what has been reported by some media, there has been no determination whether charges will be filed. We are allowing the police to do a thorough investigation, including accident reconstruction. It takes time to do this right. The process may take weeks or months to complete. Please be patient, and please join us in thanking the police officers involved for doing a very thorough job. No matter the conclusion of the investigation, what happened to Nathan presents us with an opportunity to do some good. We hope that government officials, police, the news media and you in the biking community will take advantage of that opportunity. We hope everyone will work even harder to educate drivers about their legal obligations to give the right of way to a bicyclist in a bike lane. Nathan’s condition is serious. He is in critical condition in the Johns Hopkins Hospital Intensive Care Unit. There is some hopeful news, but progress is slow. The doctors cannot predict when or how much he will recover. The doctors believe that Nathan’s coma is a result of anoxia or lack of oxygen. It is not because of severe physical trauma to his head. He was, as I mentioned, wearing a bike helmet. However, he stopped breathing for an unknown period of time. We grasp at the few hopeful signs such as the opening of an eye. But we are prepared for a long difficult wait. We want our Nathan back. I’d like to tell you about Nathan. He is a 20-year old sophomore at Johns Hopkins University. He is studying computer science, but is also gifted in math. Although he is extremely talented in math and computer science, he has a broad range of interests. He loves to read and debate issues that he is concerned with. It’s hard to argue with him, because he has done the research and formed his own opinions. Nathan embraced urban living and wanted to live without a car. He used his bicycle to get around. Nathan is a non-conformist who does not really care what other people think of him. Because of his innate goodness and his sweet nature, he is loved by just about everyone he has come in contact with. His teachers remember not only his intellect, but also how generous he is. His friends deeply understand how gentle and caring he is even when he tells them they are wrong about something. His family loves him and the beautiful person that he is. He is very good at frustrating us and not communicating, but we know that he also loves his family, even when he sometimes really wishes we would just go away. We are here to celebrate Nathan’s vibrant life. We are praying and hoping for his recovery. We know that it may be a long time for him to recover. Nathan is a very patient person. We need to be patient also. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Your support has helped us cope with this tragedy. The goodness of Nathan has also helped us cope. Please be safe during today’s and every day’s ride.