Cayman’s cycling community say that they have been encouraged by the support from drivers in the days after father-of-two Per Undheim, 39, was killed while on an Easter Monday morning bike ride.
“There was a larger group of us cycling this morning and we noticed that cars were giving us more space, we got the occasional wave, people flashed to let us go ahead and an ambulance put its lights on in support too,” said Cayman Cycling vice president Wayne Kirkconnell on Thursday morning. “It’s sad that it takes something like this tragic event but it’s much appreciated.”
Undheim and his cycling partner and work colleague Andy Hall were struck by a car in Bodden Town at around 6am on Monday, 21 April. The driver of the car fled the scene but was later arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, causing death by dangerous driving and other traffic offences.
Norwegian national Per and his wife Janelle, from Cayman, both worked at Cayman Physiotherapy in George Town. Lindsay Bridgeman, owner of Cayman Physiotherapy, told the Compass that their clients have been devastated by the news, with many visiting in person to deliver flowers and cards of condolence.
Colleagues heartbroken
“They were well-equipped, experienced cyclists,” said Bridgeman. “They should be able to go for a cycle ride at six o’clock in the morning on a holiday weekend and to come home, and it’s just tragic that this hasn’t happened.”
“It has been awful,” she added. “We are all in complete shock. We are devastated at the loss of Per and also heartbroken for Janelle. Their wee baby is only 9months old, and Luca is only 5 years old. Already she’s been saying to Janelle, who’s going to teach me Norwegian? Who’s going to teach me football tricks?’
More than 40 cyclists headed out before dawn for their Thursday morning bike ride, a larger turnout than usual as people remembered Per Undheim and sent their best wishes to his friend Andy Hall who was injured in Monday’s collision.
“We’ve lost a cyclist, a father and a talented athlete,” said Kirkconnell. ‘It’s hard to put it into words. It’s beyond devastating.”
Olympic cyclist calls for safer roads
Meanwhile, in a letter to the Compass, three-time Olympic cyclist Craig Merren added his words of condolence to the tributes paid across the community.
“I am deeply saddened by the horrible accident this past Easter weekend which resulted in the tragic death of one cyclist and the injury of another,” he said. “I send my deepest condolences to Per Undheim’s family and loved ones for this devastating loss. Mr. Undheim was the physiotherapist of the late Mr. Bobby Nunes, a pioneer and founder of the Cayman Islands Cycling Associations. Mr. Nunes thought very highly of Mr. Undheim. I also extend best wishes to Andy, the other cyclist, and pray he be blessed with good health and a quick recovery.”
He added: “As a former competitive cyclist, I know the risks, but Cayman’s roads are becoming more dangerous. Drunk driving is out of control, there’s hardly any traffic enforcement, and we’ve got too many cars, too few reliable transport options, and way too many inexperienced drivers.”
Merren, who is currently running for political office, called for a safety campaign to improve cycling and pedestrian safety and for the Cayman Islands’ Road Code to be updated “to follow the UK’s lead in prioritizing cycling safety and protecting our most vulnerable road users, pedestrians, joggers and cyclists. They have equal rights on the road, and drivers must give them space and show more care. There’s no reason why Cayman’s roads can’t be a better, safer place for both cyclists and vehicles to share.”
