Many, many people have since expressed their desires to cycle more frequently but are afraid to do so due to the current unsafe road environment in Michiana.
Not long ago (Aug. 28), another young Michiana family man, Pete Kaczor, was killed while riding his bike, training for a triathlon. Community awareness of the bike safety issues must remain in the forefront! Outpost Sports is hosting a family-friendly bike ride in memorial to Pete.
I urge anyone who cares about bicycle safety to attend this ride! (please spread the news!):
Peter Kaczor Memorial Ride
Posted by Paul Taylor on September 4, 2008
When: 6pm Tuesday, September 9th (please arrive by 5:30)
Where: Northpoint School, 50800 Cherry Road, Granger (see map below)
Parking: Northpoint School and at Mary Frank School, adjacent to Northpoint.
Donations: Donations for the family may be made at the event (cash, checks and even credit cards will be accepted)This will take place during the Outpost Group Ride, but it will begin with a prayer and a slow four-mile memorial procession. Cyclists of all abilities, including children, are encouraged to participate, and all participants must wear a helmet. Multiple rides of varying distances and speeds will follow the four-mile procession.
Following is a copy of a press release from Melanie Webb, of Federated Media, to WNDU-TV, WSBT-TV, WSJV-TV, South Bend Tribune, Elkhart Truth and Michiana News Channel:
A memorial ride is being organized by Outpost Sports, Michiana Bike Association and Bike Michiana in honor of Peter Kaczor, who died Thursday, August 28 after being hit by a car while riding his bike on Ash Road just south of the Indiana-Michigan state line. The purpose of the ride is twofold: to provide financial and emotional support to Kaczor’s family, and to raise awareness of the need for motorists to be mindful of the increasing number of cyclists on our roads.
Kaczor is survived by his wife and son, as well as a stepdaughter, stepson and six siblings. Donations for the Kaczor family will be accepted at the ride.
The ride will begin at 6pm Tuesday, September 9th from Northpoint School, 50800 Cherry Road, Granger. Organizers are asking participants to park in designated parking at Northpoint School and at Mary Frank School, adjacent to Northpoint. They suggest arriving no later than 5:30.
The ride will begin with a prayer and continue with a slow four mile ride through some Granger subdivisions. Cyclists of all abilities, including children, are encouraged to participate, and all participants must wear a helmet.
On Tuesday, July 29, an estimated 350 cyclists took part in a memorial ride honoring Patrick Sawyer, who died after being hit by a drunk driver July 16 while riding his bike on Cleveland Road in South Bend.
Here’s a map to the starting location:
View Larger Map