Cycling community remembers William Campbell

There weren’t many dry eyes Sunday morning as a large crowd of bikes and mourners gathered on the intersection of Ramon and Rattler in Rancho Mirage.

The cycling community brought an overwhelming attendance and outpouring of support to remember William Campbell, a 32 year-old young man many described as full of life, a good friend and athletic and energetic riding buddy — taken too soon when he was struck and killed by a driver on Ramon road in December.

“He was so patient with everyone, he was just great, he always had a smile on his face and was laughing about something,” said girlfriend Jennifer Novak.

A white painted “ghostbike” was erected for attendees to sign and pay their respects — serving as both a memorial and visual representation of a fallen cyclist in the community.

Many expressed concerns for the safety of bike riders due to speeding and reckless drivers in the area, specifically on Ramon Road where the crash occurred — as cars whizzed past the group of cyclists during the memorial.

“Our cyclist was in the lane, wearing his helmet, with lights, at 6:45 in the morning on his way to meet the club for a club ride when he was ran down,” said co-founder of Coachella Valley Bike Coalition Brett Klein. “Ramon is one of many,” he said, expressing concern for all bikers throughout the valley as drivers hit speeds well beyond the limit.

“The sad part is this is a school zone, this was an adult cyclist but this could easily be one of your children,” Klein said in reference to Ramon Road near Rancho Mirage High School.

Though the tone was somber, many remembered the positive characteristics of William Campbell and hope to carry his legacy by improving safety and awareness in the community.

The group hopes to raise enough money to put up a memorial billboard near the crash which would also serve as a reminder for drivers to slow down.

The Desert Bike Club and Coachella Valley Bike Coalition are accepting donations on a GoFundMe page — you can find here — gofundme.com/williambillboard.

Coachella Valley Brewing Company is expected to incorporate one of Campbell’s craft beers he created into their menu sometime next week.