Tragedy has struck the Metro Atlanta cycling community as one of their own was killed in a crash over the weekend. Tom Duncan, an avid cyclist and group leader of the Atlanta Winter Bike League, was fatally hit by a car during a group ride on Lee Street in Atlanta on Saturday, according to Atlanta News First and corroborated by FOX 5 Atlanta.
The founder of the bike league, Robert Wilhite, expressed his heartache over the incident. "For such a tragedy to happen, Tom left this world doing something he absolutely loved," Wilhite told Atlanta News First. Riders and friends are now calling for heightened road safety and awareness, particularly appealing to drivers to be vigilant and share the road responsibly. "When you see us, give us the room, there's a 3-foot law. Slow down, pay attention and just remember we're family members just like you," Wilhite said, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Duncan was reportedly assisting another rider at the back of the group when he was struck by the vehicle. The Atlanta police are actively investigating the fatal incident, and no word has been given on any charges to be filed against the driver involved. Meanwhile, the cycling community is gearing up for a memorial ride in Duncan's honor, scheduled for December 30. The event will include a ceremony at the crash site to commemorate Duncan's life and contributions to the cycling group.
In response to the accident and outpouring of grief, a GoFundMe page has been set up to assist Duncan's family during this devastating time. As cycling advocates, including Bruce Hagen of Hagen Rosskopf Bike Law, call for stricter laws to protect cyclists from distracted driving, the community mourns the loss of a man described as "the epitome of joy walking in the flesh," by Wilhite in a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta. The call to "share the road" has never been more poignant or grave in facing the stark reality of what can happen when that covenant is broken.
