Memorial bike ride honoring the life of Magnus White, a teenager killed while cycling

BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. – A memorial bike ride this summer will honor the life and legacy of Magnus White, the 17-year-old cyclist who was struck and killed by a motorist in Boulder County on July 29.

The White Line, a nonprofit founded after his death to inspire cyclists and create change for bike safety, announced “Ride for Magnus: Ride for Your Life” on Monday. The 13.5-mile memorial bike ride is scheduled for Aug. 11 and begins at 10 a.m. at Farrand Field, 2200 Baker Drive on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. The route heads north to Jay Road, east to west to Diagonal Highway (Highway 119), and slightly beyond the crash site before turning around and taking the same route back to CU Boulder.

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The nonprofit said a “special memorial event” will be held as the group of cyclists ride past the accident site.

All westbound lanes of Diagonal Highway will be closed for this event.

The White Line

Once the cyclists return to the CU Boulder campus, the nonprofit said it will host a rally and initiate a legislative initiative.

To register for the memorial trip, click here. It is possible to take part through a tour of the campus or a virtual ride.

Michael White and Jill White, Magnus’ parents, founded The White Line after their son’s death. Magnus was on the verge of becoming a world-class cyclist when he was hit by a driver near Highway 119 and N. 63rd Street in his hometown of Boulder. At the time of the accident, he was proudly wearing his Team USA jersey and training for the Junior Mountain Bike World Championships in Scotland, his family said. He was 15 minutes from his home.

Magnus had a 4.2 grade point average in school, his parents said. It would light up a room. He knew the traffic rules. He was sweet. Funny. Get it. He used technology to create bike routes based on other people’s rides and data. His competitive nature came out during races and it was easy to tell when it was going on because he was always sticking his tongue out.

Magnus was about to start his senior year of high school. He was training for the Junior Mountain Bike World Championships in Scotland and proudly wore his Team USA jersey, parents said.

The White Line said it “represents the tireless spirit and love for life of Magnus White,” adding: “While the world recognizes him as an emerging cycling talent, he remains the ever-smiling Magnus to us, family, friends and family “Fun Above All.” The goal is to preserve and honor Magnus while inspiring cyclists around the world, raising awareness and creating change for bicycle safety on the roads.

The nonprofit also plans to release a series of films called “Lives Worth Remembering” to highlight the lives of cyclists killed on the road and their impact on communities. On December 4th, a 10-minute trailer for the first film was released, providing insight into Magnus’ life and his family’s grief. You can watch it here.

Almost 20 weeks after Magnus’ death, the investigation into the accident was completed and charges were brought against the driver. She was arrested in December. According to an accident report, the roadway in the area was straight, level, dry and there was full daylight. The weather was clear. No cameras recorded the crash. Investigators believe the driver fell asleep at the wheel.

Magnus White’s parents mourn the memory of their son after the driver’s arrest