Mount Diablo Power Rider – Joe Shami – Dies After Lafayette Road Collision
Area cyclists are processing the news that 24/680 cycling legend Joe Shami has died – critically injured in a collision with a car near his Lafayette home Tuesday.
Shami, 86, but showing no signs of slowing down, was known for his weekly trips up Mount Diablo, speaking frequently of the peace his rides brought him. His 600th consecutive run up the mountain was celebrated – with admiring applause and some wonderment – in 2019.
Shami made the 38 to 46-mile round trip – dependent on his route – from his home, studiously preparing for each ride by checking weather and road conditions.
A former runner with 10 marathons including the Boston Marathon under his belt, Shami took up biking in 1992 and never looked back, starting his weekly rides up Mount Diablo in July 2008 when he was 73 years old.
He was struck and critically injured at the roundabout in Lafayette on Tuesday morning. The investigation into the collision is continuing.
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I think he had another 400 ascents in him. RIP
Heartbreaking.
Very sad to read this news24-680. Condolences to the family.
All our love to his family and many many friends.
What an inspiring man. He’ll be missed.
I’m so, so sorry to hear this devastating news. Nothing but love and support to Shami’s family.
Joe was one of several people who questioned the design of the roundabout when it was first proposed. Do we know if this was driver error or some type of design flaw???
Big big loss so hard to believe. Feeling so numb.
Deepest condolences to the family.
Even at 80, he died too soon. Heartfelt condolences to his family.
This man was a joyous warrior. Such a sad time for those of us who ride around here.
“Joseph Shami reiterated Ms. Joe’s comments and was concerned that a roundabout
would reduce the distance between cars and shorten the gaps in traffic on PHR,
making it more difficult to turn left onto Pleasant Hill Rd from RSR.” Comments/Circulation Commission/March 2015
I’d give a lot to have half the energy he had at that age.
This is not a road collision, he was murdeeed by someone with a car
One thing I have learned from reading the comment thread here and on your facebook site is that every interest group — even bicyclists — have their own militant militias. I ride for pleasure and the exercise it gives me but I’ve been surprised to learn this faction exists. It seems so counter to the whole center of the sport. RIP Joe – you were a fine man and gentleman and we were lucky to have you as long as we did.
Big charge to make. Assume you have evidence to support the accusation?
Vehicular manslaughter is the killing of another person in the act of driving. Vehicular manslaughter can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Generally, regardless of circumstances, unless the driver is additionally facing DWI or other criminal charges,
– charges will be dropped if the cyclist is determined to have 1% or more culpability
– misdemeanor otherwise.
Update???
Nothing official at this time, Gregg.
Are there any updates to this story at all? A man is killed on a city street and city officials are mute? Who is investigating this????
Such a shame. Have the police determined what happened?
Have they found what happened?
Joe was a thoughtful neighbor living across from my family in Lafayette. A kind and gentle soul.