Memorial bike ride planned following death of Saskatoon cyclist

By Halyna Mihalik

A Saskatoon cyclist is being honoured by the biking community following her death.

Last week, 33-year-old Natasha Fox was killed in a collision with a cement truck while cycling at the intersection of Wiggins Avenue and College Drive. Fox was a teacher, mother and a decorated athlete.

Saskatoon’s biking community is mourning her loss, and is coming together to hold a memorial bike ride in Fox’s honour.

The ride was a project by local cyclist Shoshana Green. Although she didn’t know Fox personally, Green said she mourns the loss and is concerned for the safety of her fellow bikers.

“We’re all very sad,” Green said. “I think some people are feeling a bit of fear about cycling. I do know a lot of people are continuing to cycle, and that’s great, but this has had a deep impact on people.”

The ride starts Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the Bowl on the University of Saskatchewan campus. The memorial ride will last for about an hour, with a stop at Fox’s memorial at the site of the collision.

Fox’s death has sparked calls for change in Saskatoon.

“When I read that studies had been done about having bike lanes in the area where Natasha was killed, it was a shortcoming that those were not acted on sooner,” said Green.

The group Saskatoon Cycles, which is helping promote the memorial ride, has been vocal on its Facebook page.

“Her sudden absence is a loss and reminder of how our current urban landscape can be scary and infuriating for anyone not using a motor vehicle,” a post on the group’s page read.

“There’s a lot we don’t know today, but nothing that comes out from further investigation will overshadow the obvious: Saskatoon can do more to make walking and cycling safer.”