(Added post-event, WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
7:35 PM: As previously reported, this month’s Critical Mass bicycle ride will stop at “ghost bike” memorials to two riders killed in crashes, including 76-year-old Maridee Bonadea, the Vashon rider hit and killed in Fauntleroy earlier this month. Critical Mass doesn’t publicize its exact route in advance but did say on social media that Ms. Bonadea’s memorial is the first stop, and we just heard an FYI on police radio that “about 100 bicyclists” are southbound from the downtown waterfront. Updates to come.
8:18 PM: About two dozen people are already at the memorial site. A commenter says the riders passed through Alki a short time ago.
8:49 PM: They’re expected here momentarily.
9:25 PM: The riders plan to leave in a few minutes.
ADDED AFTER OUR RETURN TO HQ: Here’s how the gathering unfolded – first with the rivers’ arrival:
Yes, the riders parked in the street – Critical Mass is a monthly ride that is as much a demonstration as anything else.
But each time a RapidRide bus appeared, they cleared space, with shouts of “Bus!” and “We support public transportation!”
There was no organized program but a few people spoke – first with memories of Maridee from her daughter:
City Councilmember Rob Saka had been there quite some time before the riders arrived, and after scattered voices in the crowd called for city action to make the street safer – specifically, removing parking – he was asked to speak, and he did.
He didn’t make any commitments to specific actions, though, and that was a subsequent point of contention shortly after the moment of silence he called for – her daughter shouted out that her mom liked to raise hell and that it was time to do that over the need for safety:
One person took the safety push literally to the street:
They left just after 9:30 pm, headed for a “ghost bike” at the scene of another rider’s recent death, and a stop to honor a third recent crash victim.
As you heard in one of our video clips, advocates plan to ask for the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s support at the next FCA meeting and say they have been added to the agenda. That meeting would be 6 pm Tuesday, July 14, at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).
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