On the 27th of April a fellow bike rider was killed by a driver of a SUV in the throes of Road Rage. From what people have been able to piece together the driver Carnell Fitzpatrick and the rider Thomas McBride had some sort of conflict. For those of us that ride daily we can all imagine at least four different maneuvers that would endanger our lives. As I have done too many times Thomas no doubt shouted at the driver or made some other gesture to enrage an already autobound driver. Only this time the driver decided that his 2 plus ton murder weapon was just the same as a bike and rammed Thomas from behind...repeatedly. The driver then fled the scene only to turn himself in after discovering that his front license plate was missing. The responding police officers found the plate under Thomas.

On Sunday the second of May Chicago area riders met at the Picasso for a vigil ride and protest. The vigil was organized and led by Adam About 60 or 70 riders from all walks..er um...rides-of-life showed up. I saw our usual core group of Critical Mass riders plus a group of CBF riders and lots and lots of messengers.

Thomas was a messenger. Though I am not a messenger I do know plenty of them. The messenger culture is a very tight one. These riders see each other all day long, rain or shine, 5 five days a week. In the snow when all of us are in our cars and L trains. It was good to see the support.

The picture to the left were shot at the Picasso where we met. The third picture down is actually another demonstration. Just as we were heading off the Daley Plaza was filled with people supporting NATO actions in the Balkans.

Here are the links to the ride and the vigil.

Comments, suggestions, questions and expletives tell Daniel