“We’re Family Members Just Like You”- Atlanta Community Mourns the Loss of an Avid Cyclist to Road Tragedy

A somber incident had cast a shadow on the spirited community of Atlanta. Tom Duncan, a cherished member who has been a part of the Atlanta Winter Bike League has met with an untimely and tragic end as he collided with a car. 

The collision between the vehicle and his cycle took place on Lee Street and claimed the life of the cyclist on December 16, Saturday. His tragic demise has left his near and dear ones along with the entire cycling community in shock. It has further reignited the urgency of increased road safety and awareness.  

Tragic loss to the cycling community

It has been for a decade since Duncan, the avid cyclist had been a part of the Atlanta Winter Bike League. The cycling event has been a staple for cyclists having different levels of expertise and who are seeking an opportunity for adventure and camaraderie during the cold winter months. 

This event witnessed the participation of multiple cyclists traversing Atlanta and East Point’s streets. Among them, Duncan had taken part in the collective to make use of the platform sharing his passion for cycling and also making contributions in bringing positive changes to a close-knit community. 

However, little did the cyclist know that his regular ride would cut short his life. Duncan met with a deadly accident as a car slammed into him from behind on Lee Street in Atlanta last weekend. The founder of the Atlanta Winter Bike League, Robert Wilhite, in an interview with Fox 5 Atlanta highlighted the need for enhanced driver caution, “When you see us, give us the room, there’s a 3-foot law. Slow down, pay attention, and just remember we’re family members just like you.” 

Remembering the compassionate soul 

The cyclist has been a part of the Atlanta Winter Bike League since 2012 and has been part of multiple cycling rides. Besides being an avid cyclist, Duncan extended his guidance and mentoring to fellow riders. Apart from this, he was willing to contribute to the society at large. Wilhite brought forward his socially responsible side saying, “He loved helping people. Summing up all of Tom and seeing him interact with our riders, on and off the bike, he was the epitome of joy walking in the flesh.”

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Duncan had taken up a 105km cycling ride and raised funds for Doctors for Nepal back in April 2013. This distance comprised completing over 7500ft of climbing over 8 classified climbs to sponsor medical students residing in the rural areas of the country. Hence, the cyclist had left a deep impact on the community. Hence, to pay him tribute, the Atlanta Winer Bike League has organized a memorial ride scheduled for December 30th. 

Losing an avid cyclist and compassionate soul like Tom Duncan has left the community with an irreparable loss. In the wake of the tragedy, they will be placing their call through the memorial ride, advocating for cyclist safety and fostering awareness among drivers to be careful while sharing roads with two-wheelers. 

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