Before I carry on with my day to day blog posts, I wanted to take a moment to discuss something that has struck the Bike & Build community. Yesterday after our ride into Gunnison, CO we were informed that a Bike & Build trip leader, Patrick Wanninkhof, and a rider, Bridget Anderson, on the Maine to Santa Barbara route were involved in a car accident in Oklahoma. A driver struck the two from behind while she was distracted by her cell phone. Bridget was airlifted to a nearby hospital where she is currently being treated for leg injuries, but is in stable condition. Patrick, unfortunately, did not make it. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
I did not know Patrick, but after reading his Bike & Build profile it became quickly apparent that he had an incredible passion for the affordable housing cause and a deep understanding of how closely it ties to education. Although he received his degree in materials engineering, he became involved in the Teach for America program after graduating and witnessed how an unstable housing situation can impact a child's ability to learn and focus on school. It is incredibly unfortunate that a life - one so focused on giving back in the most selfless way - was taken far too early by a careless driver.
If there is anything we can take away from this situation, it's that no text, no phone call, no quick glance at Facebook is worth a life. I urge drivers to please, PLEASE, put down your phone when driving. This tragic event could have easily been avoided, and unfortunately this is far from an isolated incident. As cyclists on the road we are vulnerable. We can do everything in our power to stay safe, but we can't control the vehicles on the road. Please keep that in mind the next time you reach for your phone while driving. It's a small change we can all make to make the roads a safer place for everyone.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers with Bridget as she recovers, with the friends and family of Patrick, and with all the Maine to Santa Barbara riders. Today, and everyday until I reach Half Moon Bay, I'll be riding for Patrick and Bridget.