Here's to Rick!

Last week I headed down to Michigan's State Capitol for the Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day. Sponsored by the League of Michigan Bicyclists, the day includes face-to-face meetings with cyclists and state representatives and an award ceremony honoring those who support bicycling in meaningful ways.

One of those awards went to Rick! But more on that in a minute.

Lucinda Means, for whom the day was named, was a friend of ours. She moved to Lansing as the first executive director of the LMB and lived next door to Rick. She made a profound impact on him as she did on many, focusing on using the bicycle as transportation, not just recreation. She walked the walk.

Lucinda came to Easter dinner at my house about ten years ago. A few weeks later she died in her home, a consequence of a clot following knee surgery. Her loss created a huge cavity in the cycling world but also served as a motivational inspiration to those in our area who knew her and have worked hard to carry on her legacy. From the perspective of those who knew her, it was a deeply personal loss of a passionate advocate, intelligent conversationalist and woman with a heart and soul who dreamed big dreams -- and then helped bring them to fruition.

Christmas Dinner -- Friends joined us -- Richard, Jim, Kevin, Greg and Lucinda in pink. I think everyone was ready for me to put the camera down by then!

Rick was honored as with the Jim Dougherty Distinguished Service Award. His was one of six awards given to volunteers, businesses, and others in the Michigan cycling world.

He was recognized for many things -- serving as interim director of LMB after Lucinda's death and his work in creating an online registration and membership system; for helping to create state rides like the Kal-Haven Trailblazer and the Michigander; being a founder of West Michigan's Kal-Haven Trail and the Michigan Chapter of the Rails to Trails Concervancy (Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance).

As he spoke he said "Today we all stand on Lucinda's shoulders." And he's right. Living by example.

So, a word of caution to all of us -- walking, riding or driving -- in this summer season. Be careful out there! Drivers, be courteous to cyclists, even if they slow you down. Those few minutes aren't worth it to you or anyone else. Share the road and give them space, slow down if you need to until you can pass safely. Cyclists, follow your rules, too. If everyone plays nicely, we all win. (And walkers -- look around! A bicycle can't always stop on a dime if you walk in front of it!)