Last year we sadly lost several dear friends in the bicycling community. Although these individuals are remembered by many every single day, we want to take a moment today to reflect on two of their lives and how we will continue to carry their inspiration forward.
Brett Jarolimek lost his life a year ago today in a crash with a truck going down Interstate Ave. in Portland. Brett was a beloved member of Portland’s art and cycling communities and a friend to many. He helped many a new and experienced cyclist while working at the Bike Gallery, loved racing cyclocross, and inspired many with his creative projects.
A memorial fund to support bike safety efforts was founded in his name and has been a major supporter of the Eye to Eye campaign efforts. We are also looking forward to a public art installation created in his memory by two good friends. We will post more information about it as the project timeline and details are finalized.
Also as BTA staff and board members prepare for the planning, visioning, and goal setting that will take place at this weekend’s board retreat, we are remembering another dear friend from the cycling community, Brian Reynolds.
Brian served on the BTA board from 2002- 2007. Before losing his life to cancer in late 2007, he was an avid cyclist and cycling advocate. He was a lover of long group rides like Reach the Beach and Cycle Oregon, and during his 15-year battle with Sarcoma Cancer, cycling became his passion and his “treatment” for his cancer and overall health.
This year the BTA presented the first annual Brian Reynolds Distance Award to the Bike Commute Challenge participant who logged the most miles. Brian is also being remembered with a documentary about his life and a memorial Sarcoma Cancer research fund.
Our hearts continue to go out to the families and friends of these two individuals as well as the others we’ve lost in recent years. We will continue to hold their love of cycling as one of the many reasons why we bike, and why we work to make cycling safer and more accessible for all.
Be safe out there, and have a wonderful ride.
As a cancer survivor also, I have been inspired by Brian for many years. I’ve recently begun bike commuting to work 3-4 days a week (I will celebrate when I make it all 5 days!) and not a ride goes by that I don’t think of our beloved Brian and all the ways his life has impacted us for the good. Bless you all for continuing in his tradition of sharing and inspiring, and for keeping his memory present and alive.