'Ride for Magnus' memorial bike ride set for August in Boulder

A date has been set for a memorial bike ride to honor a rising US cycling star who was killed last summer during a training ride in Boulder County.

The White Line, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the honor of Magnus White, announced its 'Ride for Magnus: Ride for Your Life' memorial bike ride to be held Aug. 11.

"Held in partnership with cycling and advocacy organizations from across the United States, the ride will honor Magnus and call for legislative and infrastructure changes to make American roads safe for all those who use them," a White Line spokesperson said in a statement. 

White was a member of the USA Cycling National Team and winner of the 2021 Junior 17-18 Cyclocross National Championships. He was in his final preparations for the Junior Men’s Mountain Bike Cross-Country World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, when he was killed. 

Yeva Smilianska is the driver accused of hitting White while he was bicycling on Highway 119 near North 63rd Street in July 2023. No trial date is set currently.

“This ride is important for so many reasons. First, it's a heartfelt tribute to our son, Magnus, whose memory we will honor with every pedal stroke. Second, it is a rallying cry for change," Michael White said.

"The number of cyclist and pedestrian fatalities is rising dramatically, influenced by many factors, and can no longer be ignored. Increasingly, evidence suggests that driver behavior is the primary contributor to these deaths. It is crucial that we address driver behavior and reform penalties immediately.” 

Ride details:

• Riders will depart from the University of Colorado, Boulder campus at 10 a.m. at Farrand Field, following parts of the route Magnus rode the day he was killed.

• Riders will be stopping for a memorial activity at the site where Magnus was struck, and then return to the university for a rally calling for change. The cycling route spans 13.5 miles and features minimal elevation change.

• The entire westbound lanes of CO 119 will be closed to vehicle traffic, ensuring a safe journey for all participants. After paying respects, riders will return to Farrand Field for a rally. This gathering will introduce legislative efforts spearheaded by The White Line and include a strong call to action in support of these initiatives.

Additionally, for those nationwide wishing to join, a virtual ride option will be available. There will also be a walking route around the CU Boulder campus, the statement said.

Proceeds from the ride will help The White Line Foundation, which Magnus’ parents formed after his death, to honor Magnus’ legacy by advocating for the safety of all vulnerable road users and serving as a new voice for change.

The ride’s supporters include “It Could Be Me”, a non-profit advocacy organization founded in 2019 by Triny Willerton, an elite triathlete who was nearly killed by a careless driver in Boulder County, and “Ride for Your Life”, a movement created by Dan Langenkamp to advocate for road safety after his wife Sarah was killed while biking in Bethesda, Maryland, in 2022. Langenkamp held Washington, D.C.’s largest ever advocacy ride after Sarah’s death, helping win Congressional support for $44 million in funds for the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program.

Launch of the "Lives Worth Remembering" film series

Additional to the Magnus White memorial bike ride announcement, “Lives Worth Remembering: Christian and Michelle Deaton” is the first episode in the new ‘Lives Worth Remembering’ film series produced by The White Line.

Christian and Michelle Deaton, from Portland, Oregon, both died on Oct 17, 2023, when they were struck from behind by lumber sliding off the back of a passing flatbed truck while they were biking through wine country around Napa, California.

"The Deatons shared an inseparable connection, embodying love, kindness, happiness, adventure, athleticism, achievement, and an enduring passion for life throughout their 21 years of marriage. The shared love for their faith gave them the ability to live with so much love and joy with their family and friends," the statement said.

About the film series:

The Lives Worth Remembering film series highlights stories of cyclists and other vulnerable road users killed while obeying traffic laws. Each episode features a family affected by vehicular violence, urging viewers to consider the broader implications for road safety policies and driver culture.