Memorial ride to mark Kelowna cyclist’s death

KELOWNA – Cyclists concerned about safety will hold a Critical Mass Ride in memory of the local woman who was killed last week after colliding with a car door.

“The ride is in memory of the fallen cyclist Patricia Keenan, and will also support the need for safer cycling infrastructure, laws that protect cyclists from drivers, and to modifications to automobiles that prevent accidents such as this one from happening,” organizer Michael Smith says.

Smith says University of British Columbia Okanagan cyclists and those from the Kelowna Area Cycling Coaltion will be represented during the memorial ride. Critical mass rides are generally held on the last Friday of the month as a form of ongoing protest aimed at reclaiming roadways for cyclists.

Keenan, 38, died in hospital of head injuries suffered during a collision with a car door that opened up in front of her while riding down Bernard Avenue on July 14.

The memorial ride leaves from The Sails at 6 p.m. Friday, July 24. Keenans funeral service will be held today, July 22, at 4 p.m. at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Rd.

To contact the reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infonews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.