Community and family gather to remember Willy and demand safe streets for all

On Sunday, December 12th, the friends and family of cyclist William Theisen, or “Willy T”, were joined by over 100 advocates from the Pittsburgh bike community to ride in his honor and to demand safer streets for all. The ride was organized by Willy’s family and friends from their gym Union Fitness. 

Despite the chill in the air, abundant sunshine warmed the dozens of riders amassed at the start. In welcoming remarks from Willy T’s wife Jessie, parents, and friends, they paid homage to an avid cyclist and lover of heavy metal who fought for the underdog as an attorney and volunteer for Literacy Pittsburgh. 

Before disembarking, friends passed out pink t-shirts bearing Willy T’s motto “Life is a journey- enjoy the ride!” Afterwards, volunteers from BikePGH, Pittsburgh Rides of Silence, Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club, and Critical Mass guided the ride through city streets to the site of Willy’s Ghost Bike memorial at Stanton Ave and St. Claire St in East Liberty.

At the memorial, the ride observed a moment of silence followed by more remarks from friends, family, and District 7 Councilperson Deb Gross. Gross acknowledged the unacceptable number of crashes on Stanton Ave and reiterated the city’s commitment to “Vision Zero”, or the goal of zero deaths on city streets, but added the city had “fallen short” of its goal. 

As of publication, the police have yet to release details of the crash or the identity of the driver.

All are encouraged to make donations in Willy’s honor to Literacy Pittsburgh , or the Erie Playhouse.  You can join the movement for safer streets in your community by joining a neighborhood bike pedestrian committee. Find out how here.