Cyclists to pedal for fellow biker hit by truck

Submitted photo

Ryan Pretner is shown with Lance Armstrong during a fundrasing event. Pretner, 37, suffered a fractured skull and was in a coma for more than 60 days after he was struck on the back of the head by a truck’s side mirror Jan. 12 while he was cycling on St. Rose Parkway.

By Becky Bosshart (contact)

Friday, March 20, 2009 | midnight

Ryan Pretner

As many as 200 cyclists are expected to pedal the Valley of Fire scenic route Saturday to honor and raise funds for a Las Vegas man who recently awoke from a coma following a severe bike injury.

Ryan Pretner, 37, suffered a fractured skull and was in a coma for more than 60 days after he was struck on the back of the head by a truck's side mirror Jan. 12, while he was cycling on St. Rose Parkway. His family reports that he has been awake for about two weeks and is responsive and learning some sign language.

Paul Johnson, an organizer of the Pedaling for Pret Dog event, said Pretner has touched many lives in the cycling and public works communities. Pretner is a right-of-way agent for the Nevada Department of Transportation.

"When I heard he was improving I thought maybe, miraculously, he could make a total full recovery and ride it with us, but that's not going to happen yet," Johnson said.

Instead, all his friends will be riding for him.

Cyclists are asked to donate to a fund for Pretner's two children and for his long-term medical needs. There will also be a raffle and a free lunch following the ride.

Dana Andrew, Pretner's sister, said she is inspired to see how many people care for her brother. The two were raised in Las Vegas. She said so far her brother has exceeded the doctors' expectations.

"His recovery is possible, but to what extent we'll have to see," Andrew said.

It won't be a quick, she said. Doctors expect to see progress over the next two years. He is being cared for at Kindred Hospital, a Las Vegas long-term acute care facility.

Ride registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Valley of Fire exit off Interstate 15, about 22 miles north of the Las Vegas Speedway exit.

The ride will start at 8:30 a.m. Cyclists can choose routes that are 25 miles, 36 miles or 48 miles. Support drivers will be available along the route. Aid stations will also be set up.

For information on the ride, or Pretner's condition, visit joemayophoto.com and click on the photo of Ryan Pretner.

Discussion: 6 comments so far…

By JB2607

3/20/09 at 6:56 a.m.

Suggest removal

I am sure this issue has been "beat" to death, but bicycles riding in and out of car and truck traffic is nonsense. Obviously we all feel sorry for the bike rider, but all riders roll the dice every time they ride in traffic, and they are going to be the losers in a mishap every time. They DO NOT belong on roads designed for cars and trucks.
By redferret

3/20/09 at 8:08 a.m.

Suggest removal

Actually JB, according to law, bikes do belong on the road. They are classified as motor vehicles, and as such have the same rules applying to them. And since bicycles aren't allowed on sidewalks (that's illegal), then where are they to go if there is no bike lane? How are they to turn left on a street? Bikes belong on the road, but it is a two way street (I know I'm horrible). The bikers need to take care considering that in a fight between them and even the smallest of cars, they will lose. However, cars need to notice the bikers and give them some berth.
By getalife

3/20/09 at 8:14 a.m.

Suggest removal

JB2607, You are an uneducated person. This man was a cyclist, not some fool on two wheels. As a person who used to log several hundred miles a month on the streets of Vegas, let me clarify what this means.

Cyclists ride WITH traffic and behave more like vehicles than obstructions.

Bicycle riders ride AGAINST traffic and dodge in-and-out.

I cannot tell you how man times I have been brushed off the road by a large truck or AGRESSIVE car driver.

Educate yourself and share the road.
By Becky Bosshart

3/20/09 at 11:05 a.m.

Suggest removal

Hi everyone, thanks so much for reading. Just so you all know, Pretner was an experienced cyclist of about 10 years and he was in the bike lane at the time. His sister informed me that the young man driving the truck was cited for the accident. The driver did stop and call for aid, which helped to save Pretner's life.
By bikinglasvegas

3/20/09 at 5:56 p.m.

Suggest removal

Motorists need to understand AND obey the rules of the road when it comes to cyclists. We do have the right to ride our bicycles on the streets with motorized vehicles. We are not purposefully setting out to get in your way and we try to follow all the rules of the road as well. Ryan's accident has touched so many in the cycling community and we hope and pray for his full recovery. Thanks for doing a story on this Becky!

« Previous Ten Next Ten »

Live chat: Tuesday, noon PST; Chat with Krista Creelman; Problem Gambling Center executive director Krista Creelman will answer questions about gambling addiction from Las Vegas Sun readers from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. ... Submit question