NEVADA CITY, Calif. February 12, 2020 – Sunday, February 16th, marks the tenth annual Jim Rogers Memorial Ride/Run, starting at 11:00 am at the Tour of Nevada City Bicycle Shop on 457 Sacramento St. in Nevada City. Runners and walkers are invited to join.
Jim Rogers was killed on January 31, 2010. (Jim is on the left) He was riding his bicycle on Highway 174 when he was struck from behind and killed by a distracted driver as he was ascending the climb out of Bear River Canyon. He was in her line of vision for over 6 seconds, but she never saw him because she was distracted, allegedly using her cell phone.
The event is held every year in an effort to bring attention to the dangers of distracted driving.
We have hundreds of our “Jim Rogers stickers” available that were designed to place on cell phones, dashboards, etc., to remind folks to “Save Lives – Drive Safely – Remember Jim Rogers”. We encourage folks to place them on their dashboard and/or steering wheel as a reminder BEFORE they reach for their phone. Put them anywhere other folks will ask “what is the sticker for?” AND EDUCATE your friends and family! And REMEMBER, even “hands-free” on your phone while driving is still distracted driving.
Jim Rogers, along with his cycling buddy Ron Miller, created Tour of Nevada City Bike Shop in Nevada City when they were only teenagers. Jim was an avid cyclist and rode throughout Nevada County since the early 1970’s.
In addition to reminding folks of the dangers of distracted driving, the event focuses on the joys of bike riding. Jim was a mentor to many young cyclists and a supporter of youth cycling in Nevada County. Jim was an “ambassador of cycling” according to all who knew him. He welcomed even the most novice riders to join a ride and saw to it that they finished the ride with a smile on their face. To honor Jim’s generous spirit, during the Memorial Ride advanced riders assist the less experienced riders and see that they have a safe and enjoyable time; and in like spirit, there will be “no runner left behind”.
Interest in the sport of cycling is building. The Youth Bicyclists of Nevada County, the Nevada Union Mountain Bike team, and the junior Sierra Express team gain members each year, which is something Jim would have loved.
Approximately 200-300 cyclists have participated in past Memorial Rides. The ride follows the LeMond Loop, which is about 16 miles. There is also a shorter 6 mile route that stays mostly in town. We invite the runners to travel this 6-mile loop which starts at the bike shop and goes out Old Downieville Hwy and back.
It’s tragic that people need something like a death to take notice of the dangers of distracted driving. PLEASE join the thousands of people who have put “Jim Rogers stickers” on their cell phones, dashboards, bicycles and bicycle helmets – they have even been found on lockers in the hallways at Nevada Union HS! — to remind us not to use our phones while driving. And explain to others WHY you have a sticker on your phone. There are too many people still using their cell phones while driving – texting and/or talking. Let’s do all we can to make our vehicles “No Phone Zones” (a label created by Oprah). There are other ways that people get in accidents by being distracted; children yelling, changing music, eating, drinking, etc. But, cell phone use is the main cause of accidents from driving distracted.
Remember Jim Rogers, Save lives, Drive safely!!!