Councilman continues fight for safety

AUBURN, Ind. (WANE) - Three weeks ago Auburn City Councilman Mike Walter was hit by a car while riding his bike. Ironically, one week earlier Walter warned council about the need for bikes in that exact area where he was hit.

Tuesday night, Mike Walter was back in his council chair, discussing and voting on issues that affect the people of Auburn.

Only this time he was sporting a different set of wheels than that scary night three weeks ago.

"The next thing I remember was somebody saying Mr. Walter you've been hit by a car we are going to do a cat scan," said Mike Walter, Auburn City Councilman.

Walter was hit from behind by a White Monte Carlo. That spot was talked about at the council meeting a week earlier.

"Yeah, heavy dose of irony," said Walter.

Walter is an avid biker, he doesn't even own a car. That's why he warned council about the need for bike lanes on West Fifteenth Street in Auburn. 

"It is a heavily traveled corridor, there are no sidewalks, it is essentially an industrial road," said Walter.

If it wasn't getting attention before, Walter's bike safety issue is getting attention now, but he says it's not about him, it's about the greater good of the community.

"Common sense and opportunity, I mean I see no reason to build something that people are not going to use," said Walter.

Walter suffered injuries to his hands, knees, legs, and back. He's doing much better, and he plans to get back on the bike when he's 100 percent.

Walter plans to continue discussions with council about the bike safety issue.