Arabic version: دراجو كانبيرا يكرّمون ضحايا حادث بالمرستون

According to ABC News, hundreds of Canberra cyclists gathered on Saturday morning for a memorial ride honouring Bridie Lee and Ryan Riethmuller, who were killed after being struck by a car in Palmerston on August 27. The event brought together members of the cycling and triathlon communities to remember the pair and support people grieving their deaths.

Ms Lee, 32, and Mr Riethmuller, 39, were cycling with three others when a blue Hyundai Accent struck the group on Gungahlin Drive at about 6:20am. Ms Lee died at the scene, while Mr Riethmuller died days later in hospital. Members of the public, including an off-duty nurse and police officer, assisted the injured cyclists before emergency services arrived.

The two cyclists belonged to the Canberra Bilbys Triathlon Club. Club secretary Katie Binstock said the memorial ride was intended to help the community begin healing, speak with one another and regain confidence to ride on roads. She said only one person attended the club’s weekly morning ride in the first week after the crash, with cyclists hesitant to return to the road.

ACT Triathlon president Lara Lever said the gathering reflected the closeness of the triathlon and cycling communities. She said road users should take care, leave space and be prepared for sudden movements by cyclists avoiding obstacles, potholes and debris. The three other cyclists involved in the crash were being supported by club members.

Police said the driver, a 40-year-old woman, had been assisting with enquiries. No charges had been laid. Bilby member Joe Walsh said the community had an opportunity to come together and would continue working to remember Ms Lee and Mr Riethmuller.