'Ghost bike' memorial grows where Saskatoon teacher died while cycling
A memorial, featuring bouquets and a "ghost bike" now stands at the intersection where a Saskatoon teacher was killed last week.
Natasha Fox, 33, was biking at the intersection of Wiggins Avenue and College Drive on May 24, where she died in a collision with a cement truck.
The white, memorial ghost bikes have emerged in recent years as a way to remember fallen cyclists and bring attention to the safety risks bike riders face.
“Everybody’s devastated,” James Arnold, a board member of Saskatoon Cycles, told CTV News.
The group is pushing for better infrastructure for cyclists around the university.
A "ghost bike" memorial grows at spot where a Saskatoon teacher died while cycling. (Chad Hills/CTV News)
“We’re all trying to get and move around Saskatoon. We’re all part of a community. We see a lot of adversary — cars versus bicycles, but no, we’re all in this together,” Arnold said.
The collision that claimed Fox's life is still under investigation by police, no charges have been laid.
PLANNED PROTEST
A Saskatoon student who feels a personal connection to Fox, is planning a bike protest, calling for drivers to better share the road with cyclists.
Fox taught at St. Matthew Elementary School, where 17-year-old Lucy Stobbe used to attend.
On June 17, Stobbe hopes many others will join her in a protest ride from City Hall, up the University Bridge and ending at Saskatoon police headquarters.
“I feel like now is like the perfect time to show the city and show the community that bikers deserve a spot on the road,” Stobbe told CTV News.
Lucy Stobbe, 17, has witnessed unsafe conditions while cycling to school each day. (Courtesy: Lucy Stobbe)
“I’m hoping to spread awareness that bikers and cars can be on the same road together. They can share the space, and it doesn't have to be a fight for life.”
Stobbe, who cycles about 10 kilometres every day to school, said it can be “appalling” how cyclists are treated on Saskatoon roads.
"As soon as I'm on busy roads, like Preston or College, I can be scared for my life,” the Grade 11 student said.
“I think one main problem is that cars don't know what to do when there is a bike,” Stobbe said.
MEMORIAL RIDE
Another ride is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, one week after Fox's death.
The organizer of the memorial event is asking cyclists to bike a route in the area where Fox died, ending near the spot where the collision happened.
Once there, a moment of silence will be observed.
--With files from Josh Lynn
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
McDonald's customers left with 'zero value' collection of free hot drink stickers after company ends program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Party's over: Coyotes play final game as Arizona franchise before move to Salt Lake City
Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah.