By Nick Dube

Tour de North ride for Shane

Dozens turn out in cyclist’s memory

Jul 20, 2025 | 11:53 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – Dozens of people gathered at the Prince George Aquatic Centre early Sunday morning to send off Cops for Cancer – Tour de North riders on a group ride in Honour of fellow rider Shane Kelly . The ride has deep meaning since it is the first one without Kelly. The 51-year-old Kelly succumbed to injuries after being struck by a vehicle while on a training ride on July 7th. Tour de North lead trainer Ron Gallo says Kelly’s impact on those he knew was large and he stressed more awareness is needed to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.

“He was the shining light of this team. It did not matter if it was raining, hot, a long ride or another uphill he had a smile and he had something positive to say. That’s how he lived his life. It was always smiling and it was always positive. The big thing is we are gathered here today because a cyclist lost his life and another cyclist remains recovering from his injuries. These are people with family and friends and community support and we all need to recognize that when we see a vulnerable road user in the bike lane or on the shoulder of the road, these are people first and foremost. They’re not to be viewed as an inconvenience.” says Gallo.

For many of the riders it has been difficult getting back on their bikes with persistent fear of the tragedy still fresh in their minds. For community rider Curtis McHale who has eased back into his routine over the past couple weeks this is an opportunity to show support and start pushing forward again.

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” This will bring some closure to people. I know that there’s been a numerous people that have had a hard time getting back on their bikes and I hope it just helps them do it. I had a hard time getting back on my bike for the first week or two but I just got on and kept doing it. Every car that came up, I was looking over my shoulder like because I was very worried but you can still do everything right and you can still get run down. Just because you have to wait 30 seconds for a cyclist, that’s not the best 30 seconds of your life. Most times you actually end up waiting for people, at the next stoplight.” says McHale.

With the large community turnout the group of cyclists felt the support from the moment they arrived. The common message among those in attendance was respect and awareness for those on the road. As acting Mayor Garth Frizzell says patience on the road is vital now to prevent any further tragedies.

” The community has responded. The need for motorists to take care when cyclists are around and to not do those near passes, but rather give some space, distance and time. If we get anything out of this, maybe it will be improved public safety around the cyclists. Today the community turned out and, and showed that this is important and it’s touched us all deeply.” says Frizzell.

The riders were escorted along their journey by the RCMP, the BC sheriffs and BC Emergency Health Services