Share the Road with an Olympian
Devon Kershaw
One of Canada's most accomplished ski racers, three-time
World Cup medalist, Devon Kershaw returned to his native
Sudbury for the second year in a row to help promote cycling
in the city.
On Tuesday, August 31, Kershaw teamed up with Eleanor
McMahon, the Founder of Share the Road, to raise awareness
for bike safety and healthy lifestyles. This joint initiative
between Kershaw and Share the Road featured a group bike
ride in Sudbury. The 15km ride started and finished at
Science North and was open to cyclists of all ages and
abilities.
Kershaw and McMahon share a common tragedy. Eleanor McMahon
lost her husband OPP Sergeant Greg Stobbart, who was killed
while on a training ride on his bike in June 2006, and
Devon’s girlfriend Sophie Manarin was also killed
on a training ride in 2001. The Share the Road Ride is
being held in order to raise awareness for the importance
of sharing the road safely in order to prevent further
tragedies.
About 200 enthusiastic cyclists of all ages with all
manner of transport came out to support the cause. After
a few words from the Devon, the mayor and others the group
was off on a police escorted trip from Science North around
Laurentian University then out to Long Lake Road to visit
the Sofie Manarin Memorial and finally back to Science
North.
Unfortunately, even with the visible number of bikes
and police presence, there was a bike/car collision on
the route. Blame doesn't matter. What's important is to
increase awareness on all sides to eliminate this type
of incident . The next time you are out driving or riding
think defensive or 'what if'. You might just prevent the
next event from occurring. Ride, run and drive safe.
