If you spend any time on a bike, you likely have a story—a close call, a crash, a moment when a driver didn’t see you or didn’t slow down. Some of us are fortunate to walk away from those moments. Others never get that chance.
Thursdays, October 30th Route2Change gathering in Fort Collins was a powerful reminder of how deeply these experiences affect our communities. Hosted by The White Line, the event brought together survivors, families, advocates, nonprofit leaders, policymakers, and neighbors with a shared goal: to create safer roads for everyone.
The White Line was founded in honor of Magnus White, a gifted cyclist from Boulder who was killed by a driver while training for the Junior World Championships. His story is not an isolated one. At Route2Change, names like Angus White, Ollie Stratton, and Ian Dickinson were spoken with love, grief, and determination. These are not numbers. They are sons and daughters, friends, teammates, and family. Their absences leave lasting holes that our laws and systems have yet to acknowledge with the seriousness they deserve.
The current laws are not adequate. Laws meant to protect vulnerable road users must be revised so that victims are treated fairly. Because when someone is injured or killed, the impact reaches far beyond that individual—it affects everyone whose life they touched. Remember their names. They are people, not statistics. The message was clear: We need change.
The Mission of The White Line
The White Line works to turn grief into advocacy by:
- Supporting families affected by traffic violence
- Advocating for legislation that prioritizes safety and accountability
- Building a community committed to safer streets
- Elevating the voices of those whose lives have been forever changed
A Collective Commitment
Route2Change was not just a gathering—it was a commitment:
- For community members to keep sharing their experiences
- For advocates and organizations to continue pursuing solutions
- For policymakers to listen, learn, and act
- For families to keep honoring the people they love
We left reminded of the work ahead—and inspired to take it on together.
Change does not happen from the sidelines. Every voice matters. Every story matters. Every action—large or small—helps move us forward. Because this isn’t only about cycling. It’s about lives, families, neighborhoods, and futures.
Let’s continue to work for roads where no one has to wonder if they’ll make it home.
