“Ride to Remember” honors those who died while riding bicycles in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Cyclists and families gathered for a memorial ceremony on Sunday, May 19, to honor the lives of those killed while cycling.

“I want to create a space for them and advocate for them to make sure no one has to go through,” said Bike Easy CEO Allene La Spina.

The latest studies from the League of American Bicyclists show that New Orleans has the highest rate of fatal bicycle accidents among major U.S. metropolitan areas. Gerard Schoen of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home and Cemeteries believes the event serves as a reminder to both cyclists and drivers about safety.

“We’re such a compact city and the streets go in different directions and whatever. So bike safety is something that really needs to be educated. I have the feeling that we can do it and continue to expand it,” said Schoen.

Cyclists rode through the oak-lined streets of the historic Metairie Cemetery. Bicycle advocates say this is a safe place for everyone affected by bicycle tragedies. They plan to continue making their voices heard in hopes of making streets safer for cyclists across the city.

“It is important to create a space for people to come together and heal together so that the families of those killed in accidents can find resources and develop a sense of community. In general, it’s really important for the cycling community to come together and raise awareness,” said La Spina.

“I cannot continue as long as this problem continues to rob our families. I cannot continue while the same trouble spots continue to claim lives. Until, unless the city and the Department of Transportation move with me,” said Nellie Catzen, co-chair of the New Orleans Complete Streets Coalition.

La Spina doesn’t believe change is coming fast enough.

“Drive power has become the norm. I know they are working on enforcement, which is great, but there are ways we can make our streets safer. “No one who cycles the normal route that they ride all the time should be killed,” La Spina said.

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