Cyclists Pay Respects to Motsenigos
Bike commuters and other members of the public are stopping by the site where Alexander Motsenigos was struck and killed Friday.
On Weston Road a few feet north of Linden Street exists a vigil to mark the spot where cyclist Alexander Motsenigos lost his life after he was struck by a passing truck Friday afternoon. On Monday morning, fellow cyclists stopped by to pay their respects.
Bruce Kalow typically commutes on his bicycle from Newton to Somerville. On his day off, he decided to ride in Wellesley when he happened by the vigil.
“It’s a horrible, horrible thing,” he said.
Kalow said he sustained six broken ribs after a car hit him in Watertown years ago. Though he didn’t know Motsenigos personally, he said he rode with him in this year’s Pan Mass. Challenge.
“We’re vulnerable out there, these cars are 2,000 pounds,” he said.
Lee Toma, who commutes from Milton to Natick along Route 135, set his bicycle down to look at the vigil Monday morning.
Toma rides the densely populated route 19 miles each way, every day. For him, the accident brings up a frightening reality.
“It’s something every cyclist worries about,” he said.
Flowers line the vigil, along with the popular pro-cyclist bumper sticker which says, “Same Roads, Same Rights, Same Rules.”
Motsenigos leaves behind a 6-year-old son. The crash hits home for Kalow, who has a family of his own.
“He has a 6-year-old who will never see him again,” he said. “I love my sport but I have to reconsider what’s important.”
Annie
6:51 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Alex Motsenigos leaves behind a wife and six year old son. A fund has been set up for his son's education. If you're interested in contributing any amount, here's the information:
Nikolas Motsenigos Education Fund
PO Box 81082
Wellesley, MA 02481
paypal: nikolaseducationfund@gmail.com
https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/send-money-online