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It was a huge turnout for the ride to bring attention to the recent death of a Kelowna woman who was doored while riding her bicycle near downtown Kelowna.
More than 250 people turned out for the Critical Mass ride for Patricia Keenan. The number more than doubles the largest Critical Mass ride ever held in Kelowna as riders poured onto the street at 6:00 p.m. Friday evening. Cyclists attended the ride for several reasons, including dismay for the accident which caused Keenan’s death and to bring attention to the city to make safe cycling infrastructure a high priority.
“Cyclists often say – does someone have to die before something is done? - But always hoping that the answer is no,” said organizer Michael V. Smith. “Now, the answer can't be no, someone has died, leaving a son without his mother and leaving a community without a wonderful volunteer and friend.”
The Critical Mass Ride started from the sails shortly after 6pm, and then proceeded in a slow procession up Bernard. At Ellis, the cyclists headed north in a large loop that took the procession up Clement, back south along Ethel, and then west on Bernard past the spot where Patricia was “doored” by a driver who failed to shoulder check before opening the car door.
Hundreds turned out for the Critical Mass ride in Kelowna (Photo Credit: Facebook)
Members from UBCO and the Kelowna Area Cycling Coalition were in attendance as were members of the community touched by Keenan’s death. Keenan tragically died on July 15th on Bernard Avenue after a driver failed to look in his rear view mirror before opening his car door. Keenan ended up slamming into the door and was sent to hospital in critical condition. She died several days later because of her injuries. She leaves behind a young son.
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