Motorcyclists hold touching tribute to North Saanich educator killed in crash

WATCH: A motorcycle ride was held in memory of 58-year-old Rodger Hargreaves Friday and to raise awareness about road safety. April Lawrence reports.

The reality of what happened to one of their own earlier this week weighed heavily on a group of motorcyclists Friday.

They held a moment of silence to remember 58-year-old Rodger Hargreaves.

A popular educator from North Saanich, Hargreaves was killed Monday when a truck turned across traffic and struck his motorcycle.

“I work with both Rodger’s daughters, and I’m obviously a rider, I just felt the need to support the riding community and show my respect,” said Tara, one of more than a dozen riders that showed up.

The group rode in formation to the intersection of Boleskine and Whittier where Hargreaves lost his life. They honked their horns to remember him and send a message to his family.

“It really gives us an opportunity to share with his family that you know we respect what he did and we’re very sorry,” said rider Arnold Hobson.

Serious motorcycle crashes and fatalities are a grim reality on our roads.

Five motorcyclists were killed on Vancouver Island in 2015 and one person was injured in a motorcycle crash nearly every day that year.

“I think anyone who’s been on a motorcycle more than a week has had a close call,” said rider Randy DeBin.

“We get hurt a lot. When a small accident happens on a motorcycle, you’re 400 pounds against 4,000 pounds,” he said.

The motorcyclists are urging people behind the wheel to put the phones down, be more aware, and take a second look.

“I’m a small object, I wear bright colours but I disappear into the background for those that aren’t looking for a larger vehicle,” said Hobson.

“If complacency sets in, that’s when accidents occur,” said organizer Don Goodeve.

And the impacts of that, not just on the rider, but their families, are unimaginable.

“We have folks behind us that want us to make it home again,” said Hobson.

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