A slow-moving procession of cyclists make their way down Queen Street in memory of Danielle Naçu on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 18.
Hundreds of cyclists rang their bells as they took part in the tribute bike ride along Queen Street this morning, held in memory of the cyclist who was struck and killed by a car last week.
Danielle Naçu, 33, died last Tuesday morning when a motorist opened their car door as she cycled westbound on Queen Street during rush hour. She was knocked into the street and run over by a westbound vehicle.
Yellow flowers and jackets dotted the crowd in remembrance of Naçu. The slow-moving procession attracted the attention of bystanders on the sidewalk, many of whom stood in silence, watching the cyclists.
Ottawa Police Service officers on bicycles, motorcycles, and in squad cars blocked off traffic for the participants.
Ottawa Police Sgt. Jeff Leblanc said the OPS was notified yesterday of the tribute ride but had to call in more officers to help keep the procession safe because so many people showed up.
“There are definitely hundreds of people here. I’d say there are actually more like one thousand,” he said.
The group met at Bronson Avenue and Queen Street and travelled eastbound towards Elgin Street, and stopping at the ghost bike memorial erected where Naçu was struck.
The ride was organized on Facebook by cyclist Samantha McGavin and caused much reflection among the participants. Road conditions, cyclist and motorist education, and the need for more cycling infrastructure in Ottawa were main topics discussed among the crowd.
Getting hit by a car is “one of the greatest fears of cycling,” said Centretown resident Paula Chinkiwski. “I noticed how uncomfortable I felt on this street after cycling in the segregated lanes,” she said.
Other cyclists said they felt the tribute ride should become an annual event to raise awareness about cycling safety.
“I think we need to honour all cyclists who have been killed on the road,” said veteran cyclist Diane Dupuis.