Kartik was a 20 year old Sheridan College student from India who was killed by a pickup driver at Yonge and St. Clair on November 23. Many aspects of the tragedy are especially infuriating. Kartik was in the crosswalk crossing Yonge St on his way back from work. The driver who was westbound on St. Clair made an illegal right turn, hitting Kartik, and then dragging him under the truck for a further 30 meters. Eyewitnesses describe screaming at the driver to stop while this was happening. At the present time, the details are still under investigation and no charges have been laid.
Today was the ghost bike ride in his memory.
The crowd gathers at Bloor and Spadina.
Geoffrey talking to the media.
Many of the usual suspects in attendance. Here from left to right, Albert, John, Ingrid, and Faraz.
Bicycle Mayor Lanrick Bennett Jr., Tom Flood, Matthew and Dave.
Newly elected councillor Diane Saxe pledges to push for safety for cyclists and pedestrians at City Hall. She rides a bike to work.
Geoffrey thanks everyone for coming out on a cold and windy evening, announces the route, and gets us ready to line up in preparation for riding.
The ghost bike.
Lining up along Bloor, Joey and some Marshalls from the Bike Brigade in front.
Of we go.
Pause at the ROM.
At Bloor and Yonge.
Someone with more patience than I can count the number of cyclists. I think I missed about the first 25 in this video.
Now headed north on Yonge.
Approaching the crash site.
There is already a memorial here.
Installing the ghost bike.
Joey calls for a minute of silence.
Tino is writing a message.
The banner. We are thankful for Kasia’s attendance (to the right). Her husband, Tom Samson, was killed ten years to the day earlier than Kartik. We are still putting up ghost bikes.
Thanks to Geoffrey for making the ghost bike, Joey for leading the ceremony, and the Bike Brigade for marshalling tonight. Thanks also to everyone who either rode with us or met us at the crash site.
Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kartik.
Updates:
- The ride was the first item in this news broadcast on CBC
- “Driver charged in death of cyclist at Yonge and St. Clair” CBC news
Amazing turnout for a cold, windy evening.