Hundreds ride around Stanley Park to honour cyclist killed in Richmond

Hundreds of cyclists gathered in Vancouver Saturday morning to commemorate a man who died after he was hit by a car while riding his bike two weeks ago in Richmond, B.C. 

"The cycling community is really tight and we've lost one of our own, so it brings everybody together," said event organizer Kelly Jablonski. 

"It really reminds us that every time we get on our bike and go for a ride, we're really putting ourselves at risk."

Brad Dean, 33, was killed while on a group bike ride on River Road in Richmond on Nov. 6.

Jablonski said the two other cyclists who were injured in the crash are recovering in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, but have a "long road to recovery" ahead of them. 

Dean's father and brother led the short, slow ride around Stanley Park. His wife, Adele, was also present at the start of the ride. 

But Jablonski said many of the riders didn't know Dean — they were there out of solidarity. 

Cyclist Mike Darcy was one of the hundreds of people who fit under that banner. 

"I think it's to show respect, really. To first of all a cyclist, but a person who was doing great things," Darcy said.

"My message today to people would be, it's not about cars and bicycles — it's about people and attitude and let's all remember that and try to stay safe on the roads," said fellow cyclist Martin Carr. 

Others described Dean as "a very nice man and a very respected figure in the cycling community."

Jablonski said the family held a memorial for Dean at a packed funeral home Saturday. 

"Brad lived his life with purpose," he told the cyclists as they set off for the ride. 

"And everybody here, when you get up, live your life with purpose."