Key Biscayne Memorial Ride dedicated to Christophe Le Canne : Sunday, January 24th 9am
What would be smart is for the organizers of the ride to print out those statements on pieces of paper and give out safety pins (most of the guys who are going to show up are racers anyway, so they know how to pin a #). Let’s get out from underneath our helmets and jerseys and show South Florida that we are sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, neighbors, just trying to make our world a little better, one pedal stroke at a time – Jeffrey Lynne
What happened last week to Mr. Le Canne was horrific beyond comprehension. What happened many months back to Liz Stewart was a tragedy. What happened to Leon last year will not be forgotten. Every time a cyclist is killed I am reminded of just how volatile life is each time we get on a bike. Thus, our efforts at zMotion towards Ride Right/ Drive Right to inform and educate motorist and cyclist alike of the responsibilities we both have on the road. I can completely understand the need for cyclist to gather and memorialize those killed riding , and at the same time I want to caution us, in doing so we run the risk of aggravating, antagonizing and fostering even further resentment from the very ones who oppose us now. A memorial ride of any magnitude will be difficult to manage without any instances or confrontations with motorist . I know the purpose of such a ride, I am just not sure of the outcome.
In this particular incident if the message is we need better roads for cyclist, no amount of improvements, but for a separate and barricaded bicycle facility, could have saved Mr. Le Canne from a drunk driver. The demand to “make improvements” to the causeway, while fully supported by the South Florida Bike Coalition, begs the question – what amount of “improvements” could have saved his life? The answer is “none”. This was simply an unfortunate event that had nothing to do (I hope) with someone with a vendetta against cyclists. It could have been a jogger. It could have been another car. However, in this instance, it was someone not protected by the exoskeleton of a 2 ton vehicle. The cycling community will undoubtedly receive a lot of press, but don’t assume the message you are trying to communicate will be received by those you are trying to communicate to. I would prefer to have Kathryn Moore or someone from an existing organization designated as the “spokesperson” for the gathering so that a single, clear message be conveyed – cyclists have the right to be on the road and will not tolerate being treated as second-class citizens by any local government.
As the leader of zMotion I feel compelled to support our fellow cyclists in the most positive way we can without asking anything more from our members than they themselves choose to do. If a member wants to join in the memorial ride, I support that. If they choose not to, I am ok with that too. I do not want our members to feel pressured one way or the other, any display of emotion for a cause such as this should be an individual decision, not mine or zMotion as an organization . However, that said, for those zMotion members that do ride I simply ask that they do so safely, responsibly and help further set the example as leaders that zMotion has come to be known for.
To the family of Mr Le Canne, my deepest sympathy. – Pat Patregnani
Can anybody out there help? I was hit by a truck Oct4 09 on 163 st NMB. I was in the byke lane. The truck came off the road and hit me at 60 mph ish. I know the type of truck . The cops are not doing anything to help. I am still vertical and mad as hell !Anybody to talk to would be nice. If you can help or give advice E-mail or call 954-648 0890 days 8-4, or 954-967 0018 after 6PM
I hope to be back on the road soon.
I am so sorry to hear of your injustice. My son was killed on a motorcycle by an unlicensed, uninsured, repeat offender that ran a stop sign and made an illegal turn in front of my son killing him. The cops never drug tested this driver or his four teenage male passengers. The killer walked out of court a free [man?] and grinned at me. Karma may be the only justice we get. I hope you are up and pedaling soon. Good Luck
The first annual Blessing of The Bicycles event in South Florida will be held at Saint Mark Catholic Church on Saturday February 6, 2010 at 7:30 am Sharp. Saint Mark Catholic Church is located at 5601 South Flamingo Road South West Ranches, FL, 33330.
The event was put together by members of the South Florida cycling community for all bike riders, regardless of age, gender, bike and faith.
There will be a moment of silence to remember those cyclists WHO LOST their lives in the past and this year, it will be a chance for all of the riders to turn their bike’s cranks backwards or ring their bicycle bells in celebration of cycling.
Due to the tragic event in Haiti a Hat (helmet) will be passed around to raise donations for the victims of the earthquake. Riders will be asked to donate in cash the equivalent of whatever they spent on a rest stop while riding. For example a Gatorade + granola bar.
After the short ceremony a “Ghost Bike” will be placed later around the intersection between Glades and route 84 in memory of Leon Hamer killed last year on a bike accident.
The event is SUPPORTED BY all of the major cycling clubs in South Florida and we expect hundreds of riders, skaters and non-motorized scooters to attend this beautiful and wonderful event.
With all of the numerous accidents involving cyclist, including one fatal accident on January, 2010, where a cyclist was killed on his way to Key Biscayne, the cycling community needs all the help we can get.
Pls visit in Facebook the group The Blessing of the Bikes in South Florida for more information and updates.
1) The Blessing of The BIKES was born in New York City, at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in NY. Currently The Blessing of The Bike in NY is on its 12th consecutive event with more than 500 CYCLISTS assisting this wonderful day.
For more information please visit: http://www.theblessingofthebikes.com