PORTLAND, Ore. — Dozens of cyclists gathered in Portland on Saturday to honor the memory of 48-year-old David Bentley. Bentley, who was homeless at the time, was riding a bike when he was hit and killed by a vehicle on February 25.
"We are here to lead a ride in his memory and encourage people to think about how we can make our streets safer for everyone, but especially for the vulnerable houseless population,” said Claire Vlach, who attended the event.
The ride started at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park and ended in the Buckman neighborhood, where Bentley was hit. Bikeloud PDX installed a "ghost bike" at the site in Bentley's honor.
"When a cyclist is killed in road traffic, the community usually gets together to memorialize. They do that by finding a bike and painting it white, and that bike stands as marker, almost always at the crash site. It really is meant to remember the victim,” explained Sarah Risser with Bikeloud PDX.
David’s mother, Theresa Fletcher, recalled her son's generous spirit.
“David was one of the greatest people and best friends I have ever had. He was always there for people. He would do anything for you; he would have given his life for someone, which apparently, he kind of did,” said Fletcher.
PHOTOS: Cyclists honor homeless man with memorial ride across Portland
Activists hope changes can be made to make Portland’s roads safer for the unhoused population.
"People that don't have a home to go to are out at all hours of the night. They are crossing dangerous streets, and if people just slow down, even if they didn't see someone crossing the street, the chances of that crash being fatal or serious injury would be much lower,” said Vlach.