NEWS

600 cyclists 'crank on' for Michael Prater

Cameron Knight
cknight@enquirer.com

A half-mile line of cyclists stretched along Kellogg Road Saturday. In silence, they rode slowly, two abreast, in memory of Michael Prater.

"Today we number many but ride as one
In honor of those not with us, friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, sons
With helmets on tight and heads down low,
We ride in silence, cautious and slow​"

To a group of around 600 cyclists, Butch Farrell of the Cincinnati Off Road Alliance read the poem, The Ride of Silence by Mike Murgas, standing in front of the white "ghost bike" on the back of an SUV that led the group from Lunken Airport to Kellogg Park. It's become a tradition to read the verses during memorial rides.

Prater died Monday after he was struck by an SUV while cycling along Kellogg Road. Police reported the driver fled the scene, but was soon arrested. She has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide as well as drug and traffic violations.

Michael Prater: Cycling 'fed his soul'

"Today is a sorrowful day, I'd like to ask everyone to look around and see all of us who came out to honor Michael today," President of Queen City Bike Frank Henson said to the crowd. "Bicycling is about people."

Surrounded by supporters straddling their bikes, Prater's wife, Ellen, told the crowd not to be discouraged.

"Today is all about Michael and getting out and enjoying the ride," she said. "Please don't be afraid to get out and ride."

"The wheels start spinning in the lead pack
But tonight we ride and no one attacks​
The dark sunglasses cover our tears
Remembering those we held so dear"

Dozens of racing teams and cycling groups joined the ride on Saturday including members of the University of Cincinnati Cycling Club. They said they were there to support fellow Bearcat, Chauncey Joyce, who was Prater's best friend.

Joyce was in the lead group of the ride Saturday and has spent much of his time since Prater's death by Ellen's side.

"Honestly, anyone who rides bikes is touched by what happened," UC senior Jake Henningsen said. "Michael always stood out for me. He was a great guy that always tired to help other people."

Co-workers from REI Cincinnati, where Prater worked as an assistant manager, made up the largest group at the ride. REI arranged for employees from Columbus to staff the Cincinnati store Saturday so the entire staff could take the day off with pay.

On bicyclist's death: 'We all grieve together'

"Tonight's ride is to make others aware
The road is there for all to share
To those not with us or by our side,
May God be your partner on your final ride"

Both Henson and local lawyer Steve Magas attended the ride and spoke about the importance of Ohio House Bills 110 and 154. One increases penalties for drivers who leave the scene of crashes, the other would require drivers to leave more space when passing cyclists. Both bills have been awaiting action from the legislature for more than a year.

Other cyclists also voiced concerns for Prater’s family. Ellen is now raising their 3-year-old son and 4-month-old daughter on her own.

A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $44,000 for the family, and donations can also be made to the family at any Fifth Third Bank.

As a small group of friends and family left the main pack to visit the crash site and install the ghost bike, Henson thanked everyone for their support.

"I'd like to challenge all of us to just crank on," he said.