Family Says Inadequate Signage Led To Norman Cycle Rider's Death

Jeff Hoogendoorn's family says the area where their son was killed in a motorcycle accident August 20, 2011, is a deadly country road. 

Sunday, August 28th 2011, 10:59 pm

By: News 9

Family Says Inadequate Signage Led To Norman Cycle Rider's Death

Havonnah Johnson, News 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- Jeff Hoogendoorn's family says the area where their son was killed is a deadly country road. The 48-year-old was riding his motorcycle August 20, 2011, on S.E. 108th Avenue southeast of Alameda when he lost control and crashed.

He was a cycle instructor who taught bike safety, preached about wearing helmets and being properly dressed when riding. Although he followed the rules, Jeff's family says the signs on the road didn't give him a fighting chance.

"If they had barriers he would've not been thrown 20-30 yards on down into the woods," his sister Nicole Hoogendoorn said.

If you are leaving from Lake Thunderbird's dock you drive up a hill, but the warning signs along with the 15 mph speed limit sign is hidden by trees. Then, without warning, the street bends left downhill.

"Just because it is a country road a lot of people go to the water to launch their boats, so there should be better protection there for everybody," his mother Dolores Hoogendoorn said.

The City of Norman is responsible for signage in the area and although the Hoogendorn's know it's too late for Jeff, they are hoping additional signage will save a life.

"I am mad because he was so full of life and ready to retire he had worked so hard," Nicole said. Jeff leaves behind a wife and two daughters.

The City of Norman is investigating the accident. This isn't the first accident in the area. Another motorcyclist was critically injured last weekend on the same road less than two miles away.