BOULDER, Colo. (KDVR) — A fitting memorial took place in Boulder on Sunday as thousands of cyclists took to the streets for a memorial ride one year after cyclist Magnus White was hit and killed.
The 17-year-old was training for the junior mountain bike world championship in Boulder when he was hit. On Sunday, the memorial event was visible from overhead as thousands of cyclists rode in solidarity for Magnus and for life.
“He was just starting to see his dreams come true,” said Jill White, Magnus’ mother. “Getting a hard-earned spot to ride his mountain bike for Team USA at the world championships, and an opportunity to join a professional team.”
The 13.5-mile ride for Magnus started on the University of Colorado Boulder’s campus and turned around in Gunbarrel, which is where the teen was struck and killed by a driver who investigators believe fell asleep behind the wheel.
“These are the glasses Magnus was wearing the day he was killed. I’m wearing them today in hopes that one day I can see the world the way he saw it,” said Michael White, Magnus’ father.
Still grieving a year later, his parents are speaking out to make sure this doesn’t happen to anyone else.
“Magnus shouldn’t have died, his bright future was cut short by a preventable tragedy,” said Jill.
Through tragedy, a positive change
It’s a tragedy they are hoping will make a change.
“We’re doing everything we can to make (Highway) 119 safer, as well as roads across Colorado. Just this past year we signed a bill that prohibits drivers from using their cell phone while driving,” said Gov. Jared Polis, who spoke at Sunday’s rally. Magnus was hit along Highway 119.
While the ride was held to honor Magnus’ memory, his parents through their nonprofit “The White Line Foundation,” are hoping to bring awareness for the safety of all road users through legislation on the local, state and federal levels. On the state level, the Whites are asking for increased penalties for vehicular homicide for careless and reckless drivers in Colorado.
“We need to fast-track the U.S. 36 protective bike lanes from Boulder to Lyons,” said Michael. “This is the busiest cycle route in Colorado: 90,000 cyclists a year ride this. We are pushing this to be completed by 2029. By being here, you are joining us as the new voices for change. We need every single one of your voices.”
The 24-year-old driver accused of hitting Magnus was charged with one count of vehicular homicide and will appear in court later this month.