Last night I attended a memorial event for Nick Bucher, who was hit and killed while cycling a week ago Saturday. This is the hardest part of my job.
Bill, Patti and Katie (did I get those names right?) had put together some amazing displays with photos and stories and journal entries. Several score people attended, demonstrating Nick was a well-loved and amazing person.
His stories of his guinea pig Hobbes, and of his parents making him wear both an eye patch and big glasses — “I would have beaten myself up” — brought me to tears.
Afterwards I biked by the memorial to Michael Schekel (at SE 37th and Taylor), a bike courier and film student from my home town of Fort Collins, Colorado who was killed in 1998, and then the site of the Bucher crash, where a ghost bike has been installed.
You’re greatly missed, Nick. We’re greatly honored that the Bucher family asked remembrances be given to the BTA.
And for those who are wanting to do something:
On Thursday, Feb.15th 4:30-7:00 community members will be gathering at 26th and Stark Street, where Nick lost his life to a speeding motorist.
Make a face to face statement to motorists about traffic safety. We’ll have cyclists gather on both sides of the intersection with signs asking drivers to slow down and take care to drive safely through our neighborhoods.
Make a sign- and some to share if you can.
The media are invited.
