FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN) — More than 300 bicyclists and walkers came together in Franklin Sunday to remember a man struck and killed while riding his bike last December.
Matthew Paritz was a beloved local athlete, a husband, a father of two, and a deacon at Olive Branch Church.
“He was just a good friend, he loved everybody, he never met a stranger,” Matthew’s wife, Donya Paritz, told News 2.
The Matthew Paritz Memorial Ride on Sunday, June 30 aimed to raise awareness for cyclist and pedestrian safety throughout the streets of Franklin. Ned Dannenberg, president of Bike Walk Franklin, said organizers saw an outpouring of support from the community, with a turnout more than triple what they initially expected.
“Just an incredible outpouring both from his church, as well as people in Franklin who didn’t necessarily know Matthew, but say, ‘I’m out biking, I’m out walking these streets in the same way, and that could’ve happened to me,’ and I think that’s what’s scary and unsettling,” Dannenberg explained.