Alan Bear pleaded guilty to misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter today, and received the maximum sentence of 1 year in jail and 3 years probation in addition to roughly $5000 in fines.

Five letters had been submitted in advance of the sentencing. Several members of Greg's family spoke about the loss of their loved one, and the facts in the case. The testimony from Lisa Hoover, Greg's widow, was particularly poignant. "He was just riding his bike home as he always did. He didn't make it home," she said several times, and described the depth of her loss and the lack of remorse on the part of Mr. Bear.

About 25 to 30 attendees were family and friends of Ms. Hoover, or members of the bicycling community.

Mr. Bear apologized for the first time for his part in the collision that took place over one year ago, and repeatd the same story of replacing a drink in the cupholder distracting him, and trying to swerve right around Greg because there was a vehical to his left.

Bear also stated that he didn't think bicycles belonged on the freeway. In her response to the accused's statement, the people's attorney highlighted Bear's placing blame on the victim for doing something that is perfectly legal.

The judge remarked concern over Bear's lying at the scene of the collision as "problematic" before he assigned the maximum sentence. However, the court has no jurisdiction over driver's license suspension. That responsibility rests with the DMV. The court will revisit the issue in October once they receive information from the DMV on administrative decisions with regard Bear's driving privileges.

Thanks to those who were able to write letters to the judge and attend hearings, and to the deputy DA on the case (The last in a long line. I didn't get her name) for calling Bear on his statement regarding cyclists rights to use the freeway. It's disappointing that this case couldn't be pursued as felony manslaughter with gross negligence, but the final result and maximum sentence with the lesser charge certainly provide some modicum of justice and closure for Greg's family and for the wider bicycling community.

Addendum: Here is an email from Rick Knapp of the humboldt Bay Bicycle Commuters Association, who has done and excellent job closely following the case to support a just conclusion: