Hit and Run on Shore Drive

A hit and run driver has temporary disabled one of Hampton Roads’ most experienced and respected cyclists. Jim Dunham suffered a broken pelvis, 9 broken ribs and a broken collar bone after being hit from behind on Shore Drive, near the corner of Shore and Atlantic Avenue. I heard that a witness said that Jim was thrown 30 feet into the air and that the vehicle was a truck, perhaps an F-150, perhaps blue or a dark color. The driver apparently was travelling about 55 mph, and if the reported location of the hit is accurate, the speed limit is 35mph on that portion.



More to come. As reported in Virginian-Pilot, “Police ask that anyone with information call Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (562-5887) or text “VBTIP” and the information to CRIMES (274637).”

(photo right, Jim poses with his wife Barb Ryan during Bike Virginia in 2009.  Photo by BJ Samuel.)


Clearly, the driver does not know the networking activity that he or she has unleashed in the cycling community.  People like Jim who have been around since the 1980's and who can hang with the elite riders of all ages automatically gather a wall of protection and enthusiasm that is sure to assist in extracting the perpertrator.  To rephrase, there are lots of people from all walks of life looking for the driver. 

(photo right, Jim rides on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge prior to the opening of the new span in 1999.)