Thank you to the over 4,000 riders who joined the Ride for Magnus: Ride for Your Life, and to those who participated virtually. Cyclists from all 50 states and 20 countries registered, showing incredible solidarity in honoring the memory of 17-year-old Magnus White, a talented cyclist whose life was tragically cut short in a crash last year. This ride wasn’t just a tribute; it was a rallying cry for vital policy and legislative changes to prevent such tragedies in the future. The cycling community is grateful for the support from The White Line, The League of American Bicyclist, It Could Be Me, Trek Bicycles, USA Cycling, and Bicycle Colorado.
Sunday’s 13.5-mile Ride for Magnus was an emotional journey filled with love and remembrance. As riders passed Magnus’ memorial, they rang their bells in solidarity and a reminder of the impact Magnus made during his life.
After the ride, participants gathered at CU Boulder Campus for a rally that introduced legislative efforts spearheaded by The White Line. The rally featured a powerful call to action in support of these initiatives, with speeches from state leaders. Magnus’s family addressed the thousands of riders, joined by Governor Jared Polis, Colorado U.S. Representative Joe Neguse, and Shailen Bhatt from the Federal Highway Administration, who all expressed their condolences and underscored the urgency of addressing policy changes.
Magnus White’s death was as preventable as it was tragic. Now is the time to act. Whether or not you were able to participate in the ride, you can still contribute to making biking safer by taking three quick, easy, and important actions outlined in the Ride For Magnus Policy.
Here’s how you can take action:
- Advocate for Comprehensive Automatic Braking Systems: Push for all new vehicles to include automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems that detect and protect all road users, including cyclists and motorcyclists, in all conditions.
- Increase Accountability for Negligent Drivers: Urge legislators to enact stricter penalties for drivers who recklessly harm or kill cyclists and pedestrians.
- Support the North Foothills Bikeway: Sign the petition to accelerate the construction of a multi-use bike path connecting Boulder to Lyons by 2029.
Together, we can create safer roads and honor Magnus’ legacy with lasting change.