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A ride to open eyes of others using road
The goal of today's annual event is to strengthen ties between motorists and bicyclists.
By NICK BIRDSONG
Published July 10, 2005
ST. PETERSBURG - Wendy Menne was riding her bike along a street in Madeira Beach when a car came toward her. To avoid being folded up like a pretzel, she put her foot on the bumper and screamed.
The car stopped, and she was not injured.
"That was 22 years ago," said Menne, president of the St. Petersburg Bicycle Club.
The club is holding its third annual Share the Road Ride event today, with 10-, 20- and 40-mile rides. Cyclists meet at 8:30 a.m. at North Shore Pool Park, 901 North Shore Drive NE.
Proceeds benefit the Florida Bicycle Association, a nonprofit group that strengthens relations between motorists and cyclists.
"We've all got to take responsibility for our actions," said Lyndy Moore, program director for the association. "There's one road, but many users."
The ride was inspired two years ago after Joseph Pastore, who was 60 at the time, clipped a group of local cyclists while driving his Lincoln Continental. Fourteen people suffered injuries.
The event's founder, Janell Cory, was riding on what club members call the "library route" before Pastore hit the cyclists. She said most victims are now riding again.
Wesley Carr, 41, was among them. It took him seven months to recover. Since then, he has competed in two Ironman triathlons.
Kip Vosburgh, 58, was one of two who were flown to a hospital after the accident.
"Share the Road is a two-way street," Vosburgh said. "The cars obviously have a responsibility. . . . But the cyclists have a responsibility. I'm hoping the two sides learn something out of this."
Cory said the event is here to stay.
"People can put it on their calendar for the next 10 years," she said.
IF YOU GO
Share the Road Ride takes place today. Riders gather at North Shore Pool Park, 901 North Shore Drive NE, at 8:30 a.m. Cost is a $20 donation for 10-, 20- and 40-mile rides.
[Last modified July 9, 2005, 23:35:17]
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