The biggest cycle ride Cayman has seen for years took place today in memory of Per Undheim, who was struck and killed by a motorist while on an early-morning ride on Easter Monday.
Around 130 cyclists set off early Sunday in the memorial ride, starting at Red Bay and doing a loop of East End, taking in North Side and returning by Frank Sound Road.
Moment of silence
In Bodden Town, the riders stopped for a moment of silence at the scene of the crash where Undheim and his riding partner and co-worker, Andy Hall, were hit by a Subaru Forester at around 6am on Monday, 21 April. Undheim leaves behind his wife, Janelle, and two young daughters, aged five years old and nine months old.
“It was very emotional,” said Wayne Kirkconnell, vice president of Cayman Cycling. “It was great to see such a huge turnout of both new and familiar faces, and it was a fitting tribute to Per. I had expected some people to do a shorter ride, but everyone did the full loop, and we all stayed together throughout, which was incredible.”
A team of riders wearing Cayman Physiotherapy shirts, where Undheim and Hall work and where Undheim’s wife Janelle also works, led the group through Bodden Town.
The route, planned so that fellow cyclists could finish the ride that Undheim set out to do nearly two weeks ago, is expected to become an annual event.
“There has been overwhelming support from the entire community,” said Kirkconnell.
On a social media post, Cayman Cycling said, “The ride was a moving tribute to Per’s memory, and a reminder of the importance of standing together as a community to promote road safety and accountability,” adding, “We extend our deepest condolences to Per’s family and friends. His legacy will live on through every ride, every voice raised for safer roads, and every effort to ensure this tragedy is never repeated.”
The ride was carried out with the help of RCIPS, which provided a couple of outriders to ride alongside cyclists.
Keen cyclist and radio host Orrett “OC” Connor was among those who participated.
On Friday, members of the board of Cayman Cycling met with RCIPS to discuss road safety initiatives aimed at protecting all road users, especially cyclists.
Cayman Cycling called for cyclist safety to be integrated into driver licensing and stronger enforcement of current laws, particularly regarding safe overtaking distances.
The Compass understands that the police are setting up a dedicated email where cyclists can send in videos of dangerous or careless driving, and have promised to use that in evidence to track down and penalise motorists.
Said Kirkconnell, “We like to ride and we like to live. Let’s make sure we all get home safely, and that neither we nor our loved ones have to hold our breath, hoping that we do.”
A 33-year old man from Bodden Town was arrested on the day of the crash on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and other driving offences, and has been since discharged from hospital on police bail.
Collisions continue
Since the fatal crash, there have been several other serious incidents of cyclists being knocked down by motorists.
In the most serious incident, a cyclist was struck in a hit-and-run on Friday, April 25 in South Sound near Smith Cove and is understood to remain in hospital in critical condition. A 20-year old woman from West Bay was later arrested for a number of driving offenses.
Due to the number of people who have asked how they can support financially, Cayman Physiotherapy has set up an education fund for Per and Janelle’s children, Luca and Shelby. Donations to the Per Undheim Children Education Fund are being welcomed.