Updated 07/19/2009 01:49 PM
Cyclists ride to remember friend killed in accident
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NEW HILL, N.C. – Hundreds of Triangle cyclists came together Sunday for the North Carolina Bicycle Club's annual summer rally. But this year, the rally took on a different meaning after the death of cycling activist Bruce Rosar.
For more on the N.C. Bicycle Club and how you can donate to causes important to Bruce Rosar, click here.
Rosar, 52, died on a bike ride last weekend in Apex when he collided with a vehicle. Apex Police said the crash was an accident. No charges were filed.
"We're all very shocked and sad to lose Bruce. He did a lot for the cycling community. I think a lot of people would say he introduced them, he educated them," friend Gary Shaffer said.
Rosar was a former president of the North Carolina Bike Club. He often helped organize events like this one. Friends say he was an advocate for safe cycling.
"I'll be trying to be even safer, even more courteous out on the road as a result of Bruce's teachings and his efforts," Shaffer said.
"This week I've been on rides near where the accident happened. It's very sobering," said David Cole, with the North Carolina Bicycle Club.
Usually about 150 people participate in the NCBC's summer rally. This year more than 250 came out. Many rode in Rosar's memory.
"It's been really tough. Bruce was such an integral part of our club. He was such an advocate for cycling," Cole said.
Friends paid tribute to Rosar in a special way during the ride.
"He always had one of these squeaky toys on his bike," Shaffer said, gesturing to a similar toy on his handlebars.
A chorus of squeaky toys joined Shaffer on the road as hundreds of cyclists began their trek.
"I'll be remembering Bruce," Shaffer said. "On today's ride, and every ride in the future I'll be thinking of Bruce."