puzzle piece
Portland cyclists honor those killed on public streets
Thursday, May 21, 2009
By MIKE BENNER, Kgw.com

PORTLAND, Ore. -- More than three dozen cyclists honored fellow riders who were killed or injured on public roads Wednesday night during the fourth annual Ride of Silence in Portland.

The ride meant a great deal to Jim Parsons, who was hit by a car while bike riding in October 2007. His leg was broken in two places but he survived.

“If you don't have a motor you still have a right to the road. It's a public right of way and it's sad that so many people get killed every year,” he said.

Parsons has become an activist for bicycling since the accident.

“You hit an activist and you've only hit the activation button. I went from being a little involved to -- I'm reawakened and the fire is relit,” he said.

The group cycled past the corner of NE 69th Avenue and Fremont, where a drunk driver hit cyclist Eric Davidson.

Davidson suffered brain damage in the collision.

The cyclists also rode past the intersection of NE 57th Ave. and Prescott St., where cyclist Sandy Bass was killed last week when he rode in front of an oncoming car.

Parsons said he “understood” that cyclists had been found responsible in the last few deaths the community had endured.

“The last couple of people killed weren't in the right, but still, a simple mistake cost somebody their life,” he said.

Cyclists asked that everyone practice courtesy and safety, regardless of how many wheels you travel on.