Bicyclists tow coffint to highlight fatalities
Courier Journal
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
In response to an automobile accident in which a pedestrian was killed last week, a group from the Bike Couriers Bike Shop pedaled through downtown Louisville yesterday morning pulling a replica of a coffin on a trailer.
While the group has ridden with the coffin several times, this was the second time the cyclists stopped at the offices of the commonwealth's attorney, the mayor and the police chief in direct response to a pedestrian death, said Jackie Green, co-owner of the West Market Street shop.
Apryl Hunter was killed Thursday while trying to cross Liberty Street, Green said.
The first ride came after George "Chips" Cronen was killed by a van while riding his bike on the Clark Memorial Bridge in July, Green said.
"We're asking the commonwealth's attorney to start charging drivers with a felony, and we're thanking the mayor and police chief for the 'Keep Louisville Safe' initiative," Green said. "We're looking for accountability."
"Keep Louisville Safe" is a public-awareness campaign that the city began in May to expand community-oriented policing efforts. The campaign addresses such issues as cyclist and pedestrian safety, elder abuse, prevention of domestic violence and identity theft.
