Man dies in motorcyle accident

ST. PETERSBURG - A 46-year-old motorcyclist died after he crashed into a car that turned into his route on 16th Street N late Friday night.

Richard Todd Shireman, of 7512 17th Lane N., died after hitting his head on the passenger door of a 2001 Honda driven by Kristen Ilse Niedung, 37. Shireman was not wearing a helmet, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department.

Niedung was driving southbound on 16th Street N just before midnight when she tried to make a left onto 34th Avenue N. Another car, which was northbound on 16th Street N., was making a right turn onto 34th Avenue N. at the same time. According to police, Niedung said she did not see the motorcycle, which was northbound on 16th Street N. and behind the other car. She proceeded to make her turn after the other car.

Shireman slid his motorcycle, a 2007 Honda, into the right side of Niedung's car. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation is continuing.

Leonora LaPeter Anton, Times staff writer

Comments

[cindy]

Bullcrap! She says she could'nt see his headlight on. How could she not have seen him. People are just in too big of hurry anymore. What was she hurrying to at that time of night?

[Peter]

Ironic that you say the driver of the car was in a hurry when it is the vast majority of motorcycles that are always in a hurry, tailgating, weaving and making noise that disturbs people for miles around. The motorcycle was probably tailgating the vehicle that was turning right making it impossible for the driver of the other car to see it.

[Maikel]

Richard Shireman was a very special human being, his death is a great lost to the helping professional community of Pinellas County. I, for one selfishly wish he was wearing a helmet. I will miss him.

[Lyssa]

Rich was an awsome person. He was always there to help not only his friends, but those less fortunate then himself. He was a professional and loved by many in Pinellas County. He will be greatly missed. God's speed to his family and all those who had the privlidge to call him a friend!

[Lyssa]

Rich was an awsome person. He was always there to help not only his friends, but those less fortunate then himself. He was a professional and loved by many in Pinellas County. He will be greatly missed. God's speed to his family and all those who had the privlidge to call him a friend!

[John E Gunter]

Being a motorcycle rider, I am continually amazed at how some people blame us for every accident that involves a rider. Saying that all motorcycle riders tailgate, weave in and out of traffic and make noise that disturbs people cheapens the death of Richard. Granted there are those who ride that take chances, but not all of us are like that, those of us who believe in safety realize how vulnerable we are when we get on our bikes, but no matter how safe we try to be, when we are involved in an accident, we always loose.

More than likely, she just didn't see Richard, which is a tragedy. The same way that the woman who turned in front of me, while I was driving my car didn't see me, she was in a hurry and failed to yield the right of way to not just 1 lane of traffic, mine, but 2 others as well. But she couldn’t see my car because of the two big pickups that were in the other two lanes, but I won’t say that all car drivers are unsafe.

My hope is that everyone will try and take the time to watch out for each other while we're sharing the road. Remember him for the help he brought others and honor his memory by helping someone who needs it.

[Bonnie]

Richard Shireman had a unlimited capacity for compassion, kindness, and celebration of the human spirit. Being a homeless advocate was just one facet of his multi-talented existence. Here is a link to his voice:
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/10/10/Neighborhoodtimes/What_would_a_moral_so.shtml
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/03/28/Neighborhoodtimes/Homeless_myths_dimini.shtml

He gave back more to this world than this world ever gave to him. He leaves a legacy in the memories everyone who has have met him. He could see good in people that they themselves couldn't even see.

[Bonnie]

A quote from Richard:
"When challenged and prodded and shamed away from the pursuit of self-interest and instant gratification, many if not most are capable of much more than we usually see. People have potential, have not, in most cases, fallen so far as to be beyond hope of redemption."

[jesica]

BULLLLL CRAP!! Ok 1st of all there is a difference between motorcycles and crotch rockets....CROTCHROCKETS are the ones you see weaving! and tailgating....they give bikers a bad rep!!! I GREW UP AROUND BIKERS! Every year someone I know dies because of the dumba-$-$ people who dont look when they pull out! even if he was on the drivers a-$-$ she still would have been able to see him!!!! IF YOU OPEN YOUR DUMBA-$-$ EYES AND GET OFF THE PHONE WHILE DRIVING YOU'D BE SUPRISED AT THE THINGS YOU WILL SEE!!!!!!!!!!Yea his lights werent huh but then you didnt see at all so where his lights really on???? 100% of motorcycles lights are automaticly on and can not be turned off...un like crotchrockets!!!!!!!

[jesica]

Oh and P.S. My heart goes out to Richards family! And my Prayers are with you all!!!! He sounds like a True Biker!! Cuz we all know the True bikers might seem scary but 99% of them have a bigger heart than others!!!

[LittleBro]

Jesica - first you need to take a breath. Second you need to realize motorcycles are nearly invisible in traffic. Third you need to realize that just looking more won't do it - anyone on a motorcycle has to be extra defensive and never count on being seen. Fourth if you, Jesica, are a biker, you need to get your DUMBA-$-$ off the road and onto an amusement park ride so you don't hurt yourself. cuz you don't sound too smart but you do sound awfully arrogant.

[Bonnie]

If there is a lesson to be learned here it to not take your safety, on a bike, or in a car, for granted.

There are a lot of people mourning Richard right now. And, being the person he was, he would say everyone who has posted has a right to their opinion. He is gone and has left a huge and gaping hole in the hearts of many people. If we all tried to be more like him, the world would be a better place.

[Pamela Rainsong]

I did not know Richard personally, but I knew of him.

I know from what I've been told that he was a very compassionate person who reached out and helped others.

He touched the lives of so many... making the world a better place and making those who knew him better people.

I know that he was loved and will be missed deeply.

Here's a poem for my good friend Bonnie. It's a poem by William Penn...

They that love beyond the world
Cannot be separated by it.

Death is but crossing the world,as friends do the seas;
They live in one another still.

[lynne buettgenbach]

I have known Richard for about a year. A good man. Advocate for Homeless. Compassion for his fellow men and women. God speed for his family. He will be greatly missed, but the lord has a mission for him in heaven, he will continue he work from heaven. We love you Richard

[greenbeagle]

This is happening way too much. I ride a motorcycle and drive a car. It is not that difficult to see motorcycles. Good grief.

Sad story. Seemed like a cool guy.

[vickiespradley]

everybody loves you i enjoyed seeing which "HAT" you would be wearing for the day. You will be forever missed.
RIP.

[Dave]

I just want to thank those of you who have left kind remarks about my brother! Hearing how he had touched so many lives means so much to us now. As I was going through his stuff looking for pictures I ran across several thank you letters from little kids who he had visited when he was a police officer. I was suprised he had them after all these years. But I truly realize even then he was doing what he was called to do! He has served others all his adult life. I was always proud when somebody asked what he was doing down in St. Pete to answer with working with the homeless! He had so much passion for his work. No words can describe what a tragedy this is to our family. He was always there for me when I needed advice and encouragement. We will love and miss you forever! Let me just say thanks again and may God Bless and protect you all!

[Donna]

My condolences to the entire Shireman Family who have lost a dear husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. May your love and memories confort you.
God Bless
Donna

[bongodave]

In behalf of Alan, Doug, John, PeeWee and the countless others out on the street with names I do not know,but have since become friendly with, our lifes have become enriched because the Light of His life shines so brightly thru him and will do so eternally in our hearts. Our Father gained an angel and I will forever be humbled before Him for knowing him

[Lauren]

OK.... for one I have known richard all my life, Yes he was on a motor cycle, no he was not wearing a helmet, BUT she did not see him, its not her fault or his, Accidents happen and Richard will surely be missed.