KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A noticeable push for bicycle safety has permeated the City of Kalamazoo in recent years, from infrastructure changes and signage to education and legislation, it is a hopeful initiative that largely stems from tragedy.
On June 7, 2016, a group of nine cyclists were struck by a pickup truck on Westnedge Avenue in Cooper Township. Five of them were killed, and several others were injured.
The victims, Debbie Bradley, 53, of Augusta; Melissa Fevig Hughes, 42, of Kalamazoo; Tony Nelson, 73, of Kalamazoo; Larry Paulik, 74, of Kalamazoo; and Suzanne Sippel, 56, of Augusta, were members of a local riding group known as the “Chain Gang.”
The man who police say was driving intoxicated when he crashed into the cyclists from behind, Charles Pickett Jr., was found guilty in 2018 on 14 felony charges including second-degree murder. He’s currently serving a 40 to 75-year prison sentence and won’t be eligible for parole until he is 90 years old.
- Previous coverage: Michigan Supreme Court declines to hear Charles Pickett appeal in Kalamazoo biking tragedy
The tragedy horrified the community, and changed it…