A memorial ride will pay tribute to West Leeds cyclist John Harkins, who died following a collision on Kirkstall Road.
Mr Harkins, from Kirkstall, died in the incident on Kirkstall Road late last Monday night when a silver Volkswagen Golf, which was travelling towards the city centre, hit the 33-year-old cyclist.
The tribute ride will involve cyclists from across the city and has been organised The Bikes College bicycle shop, which is based in Copley Hill, Armley.
Cyclists are being urged to gather at the store on Friday, November 25, from 5pm to leave the shop about 5.45pm.
A spokesperson said on Facebook:
“The plan is to get the critical mass gathering for 6pm and let them join us on the memorial ride to pay our respects to the fallen John, who lost his life in the Kirkstall Road tragedy. Please invite whoever you wish and spread the word please.”
The ride will culminate on Kirkstall Road where Mr Harkins, who was the popular founder and coach at Leeds cheerleading programme Aviator Allstar Cheer, died.
More details on the ride are available here.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Two men who were arrested in connection with the fatal road traffic collision were released on police bail last Tuesday.
My sympathy goes out to the family of the cyclist killed in this tragic and totally unnecessary accident.
But is it really sensible to arrange a tribute bicycle ride on a Friday evening, in the dark, at what is still a very busy time, along main arterial roads?
No matter how well intentioned, in my opinion the time and route of this tribute ride, would seem irresponsible at least and possibly very dangerous, placing an unusual amount of cyclists on main roads, in the dark, even if they were to ride in single file.
I do not know how much of the ride would incorporate the Cycle Super Highway ? In view of the start and finish point possibly not a great deal.
Surely the tribute would be better served by a ride along the dedicated cycle path from a pre-determined points “A” to “B” on perhaps Sunday when traffic is much lighter and during daylight !