Organizers of the Ride the Rideau cycling fundraiser have announced the event has a new name, and new routes after a cyclist died in a crash during the ride last September.
Ride the Rideau, which raises money for cancer research, is now simply called The Ride, and will include two separate route options for cyclists. The first is a 50 km closed route that will start and end at Tunney’s Pasture, and loop the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway. The second is a 108 km open route that will leave from Tunney’s Pasture, proceed on a rural path through the Carp and Dunrobin area, and finish at Wesley Clover Parks. Riders will then be shuttled back to Tunney’s Pasture for a celebration event.
Last September, 40-year-old cyclist Laurie Strano was killed in a crash with a dump truck as she was taking part in the Ride the Rideau on River Rd. in Manotick.
Last month, Ottawa police determined no criminal charges would be laid in Strano’s death .
Following last year’s tragic crash, organizers created a task force to review the event routes and their safety.
The task force was chaired by former Ottawa mayor Jim Durrell, and included representatives from the Ottawa Hospital Foundation, the City of Ottawa, as well as Ottawa police Chief Charles Bordeleau among others. The group also heard from volunteers and cyclists, and came up with a list of recommendations for the event going forward.
They include an increased police presence, more volunteers, motorcycle patrols and more signs for both cyclists and drivers. Riders will also now have to watch a safety video to be able to sign-up.
The Ride is also now happening on a Sunday rather than a Saturday to avoid heavier traffic.
The event raises money for cancer research at the Ottawa Hospital. In the last five years, it has raised $8.8 million for cancer research, making it the most successful cancer fundraiser in Eastern Ontario.
Organizers announced they will contribute to a scholarship created by Strano’s loved ones in her memory. It will support students enrolled in the Master of Health administration program at uOttawa. The Ottawa Hospital Foundation has set up a $100,000 Legacy Fund. Interest from the fund will go to the scholarship every year.
Strano was a mother of two young children who worked at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.
This year’s ride will take place on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015.
