Vigilance Ride 213 Deep

Vigilance Ride

Recently in my area, two cyclists have been struck by motorists. Visiting the pine forests of east Texas all the way from California, Mark Cathey had an unfortunate encounter with a pick up’s mirror. The impact would break several of Mr. Cathey’s ribs and collapse one of his lungs. Several weeks later a local cyclist, Janice Terry-Phillips was struck while out on a ride with a friend. This time more than just the mirror made impact. She would suffer a broken back and be placed in ICU. I am happy to report both riders are expected to make full recoveries! Distracted driving is suspected of playing a role in both incidences.
Prompted by these recent events, the Tyler Bicycle Club spearheaded by Cori Moore, decided to do something. What was something? Protest motorists? That would be silly. We are motorists too. I personally own several vehicles in various stages of working order. No use protesting ourselves. Not only are we also motorists, we are doctors, hunters, mechanics, bakers, and… well, human.

We are human
Personally, I am a Photographer / Student / Husband / Father. I think many times those who don’t ride a bike see us as just cyclists. We our, as I just mentioned much more than that. We are your co-workers, your neighbors, your family. Chances are you know and love a cyclist. You may not be aware that they ride but, you know them. Cori and the club decided to stage a ride that showed our more human side. An eight mile out and back at parade pace. Escorted by Tyler police, we would ride in honor of our fellow injured cyclists and to garner public attention to please pay attention when you drive. Now that was something. Something good.
The idea was to meet up at Elite Bicycles. From there we would ride to East Texas Medical Center and back to Elite. Over 100 people had committed to riding this event on FaceBook.  I pulled up and found a place to park, I showed up just in time to get unloaded and on the road when we took off at 3:oopm.

The crowd grew. (Over 200 showed up and rode)
News cameras were set in place as riders mingled and made signs. “Student”, “Mom”, “Mail Carrier”, were a few examples of the tags people pinned on their backs.

Dad of 3
Bikes and people began packing the streets as the police escorts got in place. Several riders donning FRESH by Brookshires/Chicken Express kits patrolled the waiting riders. If you needed assistance, these were your go to guys and gals. By now there were well over 100 riders. As the first police cruiser headed out, a long wide serpent of aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, and flesh followed.

The velosnake
As one police car would control one intersection, another would get ahead to the next. As we approached, the officers would hold traffic as our bike only parade made it’s way through. Sticking to the designated bike route, we kept clear of major roads, thus the officers didn’t have to hold up long lines of traffic.

Just a few of the Humans…

People stepped out of their houses and businesses to watch the spectacle that was rolling by. Camera phones were on display as they recorded us pedaling down their neighborhoods.



Through sheer grit and a soft nudge on the shoulder here and there we made it back to Elite. The parking lot was electric with riders discussing the event, past rides, and rides yet to come.

Many different bikes. I like it!

Police escort

One of several tandems

Hitchbikes. Great way to take kids along

A friendly wave for the camera



The final stretch



“note : I borrowed this blog from some where else, i dont have full credit for it, I did do slight mods to it from my point of view.. “