Driver who struck youth needs to come forward

An open letter to the woman who struck the bicyclist on Sept. 17:

Dear driver,

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, my grandson was riding his bike to a meeting at the First Christian Church and crossed Cedar on his bike in a marked crosswalk. You were driving a white minivan and struck him — knocking him to the ground and out of the crosswalk. You got out and asked if he was all right and then left the scene without contacting his parents or the police. He told you he thought he was OK and maybe that made you think you had permission to leave the scene, but I don't think it did. You were dealing with a young person who was first of all in shock and second of all not aware of collecting information when an accident occurs. Actually, he was quite bruised and his bike was damaged.

I think you were very worried about what would happen to you for striking him (you weren't paying attention and were looking the other way when you struck him). I think you were afraid you would be cited. Your primary concern should have been the child. Optimally you would have contacted the police or a parent.

I hope you have been very worried about this situation, and I hope that you contact law enforcement to report the accident. If you don't, we will continue to look for you and contact the police when we have found you. You would be better served to contact them before we do.

CARRIE LOGAN

Sandpoint