Whitehorse, YT – A large gathering of cyclists at Holy Family Elementary School on Thursday, June 27th, donned stickers with the words, “It could have been me,” before slowly embarking on a ride to mark the passing of the cyclist killed in a hit and run.
The tragic death of the cyclist near Rabbits Foot Canyon on June 13th compelled some cyclists to organize an event in the name of cycling commuter safety.
Organizers said in a social media post, “This ride is not just about this recent tragic incident; it is about all of us who ride to work, school or ride for pleasure.”
After a couple hundred cyclists gathered at the elementary school, they left down Wann Road, took the Alaska Highway through Rabbits Foot Canyon, up Hamilton Boulevard, and ended at the Canada Games Centre. A ghost bike was placed at the site of the hit-and-run.
Recently the speed limit through Rabbits Foot Canyon was lowered from 90 km to 70 km but many who gathered argue more needs to be done. Some called for having a multi-use path on the side of the highway and others mentioned the need for the road’s shoulders to be regularly sweeped.
Just before leaving the crowd was asked if any of them had had close calls with vehicles and most of their hands went up.
Cyclists starting their journey heading down Wann Road towards the Alaska Highway. Photo Courtesy of Macklen Linke/CKRW.
