Cyclists Remember Those Killed In 2009
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Dozens of cyclists braved the cold weather Sunday to remember cyclists and pedestrians killed during 2009. NY1’s Samuel King filed the following report. Linda Langergaard says it’s hard for her to cross the intersection of Queens Boulevard and 69th Street, without thinking of her son James.
"James and I had talked about it many times. It's so ironic that this is where he was killed,” she said.
Langergaard was killed in the intersection in August as he was crossing on his bike. Now, what's known as a "ghost bike" sits in the median, adorned with book covers and flowers.
The mini-memorial is where dozens of cyclists gathered as part of the 5th annual Memorial Ride and Walk. The cyclists made their way through Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan to remember the cyclists and pedestrians killed in 2009.
Organizers said nearly 150 pedestrians were killed by cars last year, and at least 10 cyclists were on their bikes.
Langergaard was remembered as someone who was an animal rights activist, and who was committed to making the streets safer for cyclists.
"I was so amazed by how many people came out for him, and all the wonderful things that were said about James,” said his mother. “I think he would have been, he was so humble, I think he would have been shocked by the things that were said about him."
The organizers of the ride say the city has made progress in making the streets safer for cyclists, but more work needs to be done.
"Certainly improving the infrastructure, creating bike lanes for people, better signs for drivers, letting them know what to expect with cyclists, and really educating cyclists as well, letting them know what they need to do to be safe,” said Phillip Papas of advocacy group Transportation Alternatives.
Langergaard says any changes can’t come soon enough.
"I just hope we can end this type of tragedy,” she said. “It was such a shock to me when this happened. And I would like that no more families would have to go through this type of suffering."
The riders lifted their bikes in the air in honor of James Langergaard, and then they were off to continue their ride, hoping this year brings fewer deaths than last year.