Uniting for Safety: The Las Vegas Cyclist Memorial Fund
In the heart of Nevada shines a beacon of hope and solidarity, the Las Vegas Cyclists Memorial Fund (LVCM), a testament to the cycling community’s resilience and collective desire for safer roads.
LVCM was born out of tragedy and was a poignant response to the devastating crash that claimed the lives of five cyclists, known as LV5(Aksoy Ahmet, Michael Murray, Gerrard Nieva, Erin Ray, and Tom Trauger), in December 2020. The incident not only left a void in the hearts of loved ones, but also sparked a passionate call to action in the cycling community and beyond.
Foundation of Solidarity
The foundation was created to provide immediate support for the families of LV5, but has a broader, long-term goal: to prevent similar tragedies from happening again. The initiative brings together various bicycle safety advocacy organizations, including Breakaway Cycling, Ghost Bikes Las Vegas, Save Red Rock and Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition, under a united front to fight for bicyclist safety.
Creative Activism
In January 2021, LVCM launched the LV5 Cycling Kit Design Competition. As part of this initiative, professional and amateur designers, as well as cycling enthusiasts, were invited to create a cycling kit that would embody the spirit of LV5 and emphasize the paramount importance of cyclists’ safety. The competition required the design to feature the Ghost Bikes logo and a motif symbolizing LV5, as well as a focus on visibility through the use of reflective patterns and colors.
The winning design, chosen for its creativity and adherence to safety principles, was turned into a cycling kit. The proceeds from the sale of these kits will be donated entirely to the LVCM Family Foundation to ensure that the LV5 legacy and the idea of cyclist safety continues to be relevant in the community.
Advocacy and Action
In addition to fundraising, LVCM is actively advocating to make Nevada a state where bicyclist safety is synonymous with safety. Working closely with local and state legislators, the foundation seeks innovative legislative solutions to protect bicyclists on the road. These efforts are indicative of a broader movement in the bicycling community to advocate for needed changes to ensure the safety and rights of bicyclists.
Community Engagement
LVCM initiatives have received significant support from the cycling community and beyond, demonstrating widespread recognition of the need for change. Events and competitions such as the LV5 Cycling Kit Design Contest serve not only as fundraising mechanisms, but also as platforms to raise awareness of cyclist safety and develop a sense of community among participants.
The Las Vegas Cyclist Memorial Fund thrives on the support and participation of the community. There are several ways individuals and organizations can contribute to the cause:
- Donations: Financial contributions to the fund support its various initiatives and projects aimed at promoting cycling safety.
- Volunteering: The fund welcomes volunteers to assist in organizing events, awareness campaigns, and safety workshops.
- Advocacy: Community members are encouraged to advocate for cycling safety, participate in public discussions, and support legislative efforts to protect cyclists.
The Road Ahead
The journey toward safer roads for bicyclists continues, and LVCM is at the forefront of this endeavor. Through its fundraising, advocacy and community engagement efforts, the foundation is making strides in creating a safer environment for bicyclists in Southern Nevada. LVCM embodies the resilience of the bicycling community and serves as a beacon of hope for a future where bicyclists can ride without fear and tragedies like the one in LV5 are a thing of the past.
As the Las Vegas Bicyclist Memorial Fund continues to grow and evolve, its impact goes far beyond financial assistance to grieving families. It shapes perceptions of bicyclist safety, inspires legislative change and creates a community united by a shared vision. The story of LVCM is a story of tragedy turned into action, a reminder of the power of collective effort in the face of adversity.
Grief into Actions
The Las Vegas Cyclist Memorial Fund stands as a beacon of hope in the aftermath of tragedy, channeling grief into proactive measures that protect and unite the cycling community. Its dedication to commemorating lost lives through positive action serves as an inspiring model for cities worldwide. As the fund continues to grow and evolve, its impact on road safety and community solidarity remains a lasting legacy of the cyclists it honors.