Bike riders pay tribute, promote safety

The first Bruce Pye Memorial Bike Ride kicked off at Cedar Creek Park on Sept. 13.

Peter Frutkoff/Herald

Karen Zilka, of Wantagh, and Jim Carrick, of New Hyde Park, were among the participants.

Peter Frutkoff/Herald

Father and daughter tandem Vladimir and Julie Aronsky of Bellmore teamed up to ride in honor of Bruce Pye, who was killed while riding his bike in July after being struck by a vehicle.

Peter Frutkoff/Herald

Organizers of the Sept. 13 event included Jose Lopez, Lisa Baumann and Bob McKeown.

Peter Frutkoff/Herald

Riders lined up for the start of the 17.6 mile journey, which began at Cedar Creek Park.

Peter Frutkoff/Herald

The Bruce Pye Memorial Bike Ride was held on the bike trail along the Wantagh Parkway.

Peter Frutkoff/Herald

There were bicycles as far as the eye could see.

Peter Frutkoff/Herald

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About 120 people got on their bicycles and hit the pavement on Sept. 13 for the first Bruce Pye Memorial Bike Ride, which began at Cedar Creek Park. The group traveled down the bike trail along the Wantagh Parkway, before heading east.

Riders arrived at 7 a.m. for the early-morning venture, which spanned 17.6 miles round trip for those who completed the journey to the trail’s end at TOBAY Beach. The event was held in honor of Bruce Pye, who was killed on July 12 when he was out for an afternoon bike ride and struck by a vehicle.

Additionally, the purpose of the ride was to encourage lawmakers to add more designated bike lanes, and raise awareness about the importance of helmets for cyclists.

More than a dozen cycling teams, triathlon teams, stores and organizations were represented including Bike Junkie, Brands Cycling Team, Brickwell Cycling, Excel Swimming, Long Island Tri Coach, Manhasset Athletic Club, Massapequa Bike Club, NYPD Triathlon Team, Race Awesome, South Shore Tri Coach, Sunrise Tri, Team Runners Edge, Western Beef Racing and Wildwood Warriors.

Pye was a special education teacher and swim coach. So far, more than $10,000 has been donated to Autism Speaks in his memory.