LAS VEGAS (Dec. 16, 2020) – The Las Vegas Cyclist Memorial (LVCM), established to support the families of five Las Vegas cyclists killed in a tragic accident on Thursday, Dec. 10, announces Lamar Advertising has donated 68 digital billboards, including billboards at Allegiant Stadium. The billboards, located throughout the valley, will generate hundreds of millions of impressions, delivering a message to drive contributions to www.lasvegascyclistmemorial.com. The goal is to raise $1 million for the families of Aksoy Ahmet, 48, Michael Murray, 57, Gerrard Nieva, 41, Erin Ray, 39, and Tom Trauger, 57.
“This tragedy has touched so many people in our community. Lamar’s decision to make this donation was simple; we could contribute so we did so. Our priority is to support the families whose lives were impacted by this event,” said Christopher Prickett, Lamar Advertising, vice president and territory manager.
Many Las Vegas residents and companies have contributed to the fund as well as those in the cycling industry. Mike Sinyard, founder and CEO of Specialized Bicycle Components, made a personal contribution of $20,000.
“We are so grateful for the generosity of people in Las Vegas and cycling. While we grieve this unthinkable loss and work to support the families of our friends, we realize that how Nevada responds to this tragedy will have significant impact. Our residents deserve peace of mind while cycling. Economically, outdoor recreation tourism is Nevada’s future. Electric bikes are blowing up the market because they make cycling accessible to more people, so Nevada must cultivate safe outdoor recreation experiences for residents and visitors. Our state must be exemplary in leadership for safe cycling,” says Heather Fisher, Save Red Rock president.
On Saturday, Dec. 19, local cyclist Michael Anderson, who was riding with the group at the time of the accident, will host a virtual Nipton Loop Cyclists Memorial Ride. The event is hosted on Zwift, a multiplayer online cycling and running training program that enables users to interact, train, and compete online. The ride starts at 7 a.m. PT; people can register for Zwift platform for free; the event can be found at http://bit.ly/2IRIWg3. -more-
2/Lamar Advertising donates 68 billboards to LVCM
In addition to a vigil held Saturday, Dec. 12, at Las Vegas Cyclery, LVCM, the newly formed alliance of local cycling advocacy groups, has arranged for grief counseling services for the families and riders present at the accident through the Trauma Intervention Program.
About Breakaway Cycling
Breakaway Cycling believes that riding a bicycle can be a healthy, sustainable, therapeutic, and activating transportation tool to benefit people of all ages. Breakaway Cycling is the community cycling team encouraging kids to perform better at school and live healthier lives by riding bicycles. We activate our mission by collaborating with aligned public/private entities, hosting bike rodeos/ giveaways, and growing our donation pipeline as a 501c3 charity.
About Ghost Bikes Las Vegas
Ghost Bikes are small and somber memorials for bicyclists who are killed or hit on the street. A bicycle is painted all white and locked to a street sign near the crash site, accompanied by a small plaque. They serve as reminders of the tragedy that took place on an otherwise anonymous street corner and as quiet statements in support of cyclists’ right to safe travel.
About Save Red Rock
Save Red Rock Canyon CDC 501c3 is a nonprofit organization working to preserve the safety, serenity, and scenic nature of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Save Red Rock strives to protect the rural character and prioritize recreational and environmental needs over other uses not conducive to the primary uses as determined by the public and the NCA’s mission. For more information, visit www.SaveRedRock.com or connect with Save Red Rock on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
About Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition
Southern Nevada Bicycle Coalition is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to inspire, encourage, and support collaborative community action to increase biking in Southern Nevada. For more information, please visit www.snvbc.org or connect on Facebook.
