Xavier Morgan was a five year old boy who died while riding his bike on the Martin Goodman Trail a week ago Wednesday. Today was his memorial ride. About 200 cyclists joined us.
Several members of the family were present. Brenda Morgan was his great aunt, and Scott was his grandfather.
Scott was passing out these cards in memory of Xavier.
Many bike families were present.
Joey getting the marshalls organized.
Geoffrey making some announcements.
He has made ghost bikes for too many memorial rides.
and here we go.
Down Huron
Harbord, across Spadina.
Down Harbord.
Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon in conference with Walk Toronto and Hamish Wilson.
Passing the Bike Joint.
Regroup at Shaw
South on Shaw.
Watch out for those streetcar tracks.
Through Liberty Village.
Regroup at Strachan.
Riding up the hill on the bridge.
Along Manitoba St. on the EX grounds.
Across the bridge to Ontario Place.
Back down to the Martin Goodman trail.
Arriving near the crash site.
Installing the ghost bike.
Joey calls for a minute of silence.
The family makes a statement. Brenda Morgan said that the family appreciate that many came together as a result of this tragedy, and that the city acted quickly to put in a safety barrier. Scott Morgan said that the only blessing was the Xavier’s death was instantaneous and that his spirit went straight up to heaven.
The ghost bike.
We then formed a human chain along the barrier in tribute to Xavier.
“There was nothing he loved more than biking.”
The city is now making belated efforts to identify other hazardous spots along the Martin Goodman Trail. It is very sad that it takes a tragedy like this to get action on improvements to instructure for cyclists and pedestrians.
Thanks to everyone who rode today. Support from the Toronto Police was also appreciated.
- Xavier Morgan’s grandfather mourns ‘a happy, happy little kid’ as hundreds of cyclists pay tribute: Toronto Star
- Martin Reis’ photos
- Johnathan Farrell’s album.
- Wayne Scott’s album
- Kay Pea’s photos
- Hundreds take part in memorial ride for boy killed while cycling: City TV video
- Nick Kovats’ photos
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Achieving zero traffic deaths and a quieter trauma room at SickKids: Toronto Star
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