Tomorrow night Critical Mass will be having a special ride, in commemoration of two area cyclists who died in cycling accidents in the past week.
On Friday, June 12, Lawrence resident and former KU athletic director Bob Frederick died as a result of injuries sustained in a cycling accident. Frederick was an experienced cyclist, and was riding in Lawrence when he struck a pothole and was thrown from his bike. He was taken by helicopter to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, where he later died. Frederick was 69.
The following day, Saturday, June 13, Michael Ebron, 48, of Topeka, was riding on US Highway 24 in North Topeka, near NW Goodyear road when he was struck from behind by a motorist in a Toyota 4-Runner. Emergency responders pronounced Ebron dead at the scene.
As often as we ride, it’s easy to forget that there are very real dangers on the road, and that we must continue to be always mindful of our surroundings. The purpose of Critical Mass is to raise awareness among motorists of the presence of cyclists, and to remind them to share the road with all its users, not just other motorists. Mr. Ebron’s death is an example of why what we do is important, and should strengthen our resolve to educate motorists in Topeka and elsewhere.
During our ride tomorrow night, we will be placing a ghost bike at the corner of US Highway 24 and NW Goodyear Road, in memory of Mr. Ebron. For those who aren’t familiar, a ghost bike is an all white bike, installed at the site of a cycling fatality as a memorial to the cyclist who lost his or her life, and as a visible reminder to motorists to share the road. For more information, refer to ghostbikes.org.
Bob Frederick
1940 – 2009
Michael Anthony Ebron
1961 – 2009
Bike Topeka 
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