Memorial ride honours 52-year-old cyclist killed on Upper Wentworth

A memorial ride was held to honour Brian Woods, a 52-year-old cyclist killed in a collision with a minivan last week.

Loving and kind, always there for his family. They need to get some protection here because it's extremely dangerous," said Kelly Bailey, who's known Woods' family for 27 years.

Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists (ARC) and local advocates met at Southam Park and cycled together to the crash site on Upper Wentworth near the Lincoln Alexander Parkway on the Mountain.

After the group arrived at the location, a bike painted white and draped in flowers - called a ghost bike" by the advocates - was placed where the fatal collision happened and attendees observed a moment of silence.

Riders rung their bells in solidarity, while members of ARC asked for respect and justice for Woods.

I think there is a distinct lack of biking infrastructure in Hamilton and it's pretty evident when you come up to the Mountain here," said cyclist Iain Scouter. There are only two bike lanes for the stretch of the whole Mountain. How can people get around safely if there is no bike lanes?"

Family and friends wrapped the bike memorial in flowers and signs: Rest in peace, Dad" and Brian, our community supports you."

It's pretty awful to meet this community this way, but hopefully more people will come together and build infrastructure and safe ways for people to cycle for pleasure or work," said Andrew Palombella, another cyclist who came to show support. It's nice to see all these people here to pay their respects to Brian and hopefully we don't have to do this again."

On July 5, Hamilton police were called to Upper Wentworth Street near the Linc overpass just before 5:30 a.m. for reports of a collision involving a van and a cyclist. When police and paramedics arrived on scene they found the cyclist in the middle of the road without vital signs.

Last week, Woods' family confirmed to The Spectator that he was on his way to work at Lime Ridge Mall when the crash occured.

Beatriz Baleeiro is a reporter at The Spectator.bbaleeiro@torstar.ca