Memorial ride for Kamloops cyclist who died after vehicle collision begins this morning

A Kamloops memorial ride is being held this morning to honor a cyclist who died after he was hit by a vehicle last month.

Andrew van der Westhuizen was cycling down Highland Road on a multi-use path when the truck crossed in front of him on May 11. The road is the only way in or out of the Juniper Ridge neighbourhood, where the van der Westhuizen family lived. He succumbed to his injuries while in the hospital weeks later.

READ MORE: Kamloops cyclist was 'embraced by every community he was a part of'

The Kamloops Cycling Coalition is organizing the memorial ride which begins at 10 a.m. at the Kamloops Bike Ranch, this morning, Aug. 6. 

Once organized, cyclists will ride along Highland Road, tracing van der Westhuizen's route and will stop at the scene of the crash for a moment of silence.

"This tragedy spotlights bike safety issues in our city.  Many cyclists have had near misses similar to this.  We are heartbroken over the loss of Andrew’s life, for the grief of his wife, Jen, their children, his extended family, friends, neighbours and the medical community in which he served," according to a Facebook post from the coalition.

Following the ride, a bring-your-own picnic organized by van der Westhuizen's wife Jen will be held in Juniper Park.

More information about the ride can be found on the group's Facebook page.

A celebration of life is also scheduled for Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. in Victoria, where van der Westhuizen used to live. The event will be live-streamed.

His family is also encouraging residents to donate to Canadian Blood Services under Team Andrew, ID number: TEAM0104645 as they will keep track of the number of donations in his honour. He received close to 100 units of blood prior to his death, according to the family's website.

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