Erick Njue was a University of Oregon PHD student. He was a friend to many, hardworking, and a member of the community. Unfortunately for him, he was also a cyclist. You may have seen his memorial.

On Jan. 25, Njue was biking on Patterson between 18th and 24th, right by our school, when he was fatally struck by a car. Cyclist-car collisions are almost never fatal for the motorist, but over 2% of all motor vehicle crash deaths are bicyclists.

I cross Patterson on my bicycle to get to school almost every day. When I heard about Njue’s death, I didn’t know what to feel. Sadness, at the loss of someone I never even knew but had shared the bond of cycling. Fear, at the prospect of one day my vehicle of choice could end up in my death. Anger, at the officials and motoring public that turns a blind eye to cyclists. Wearyness, because only this August another UO cyclist had died on East 8th and Hilyard.  

We need safer streets. Motorists need to do their duty, and learn how to be mindful of the speed limits. Police have said that the car that struck Njue was allegedly speeding, 50 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone.

Pedestrian and cyclist deaths are preventable. According to the Foundation for Traffic Safety, the average risk of death for a pedestrian reaches 10% at an impact speed of 23 mph. At 50 mph, severe injury is basically guaranteed.

While overall cycling deaths have increased by only 15%, deaths among bicyclists 20 and older have almost quintupled. 90% of the 1155 bicycling deaths in 2023 were members of this group. 

Speeding on Patterson is a big issue. I get it, you want to get where you’re going. But it’s better to be late to school than take a life. We as South students need to speak up about what can seem like a harmless crime but is really a matter of life and death for the people of our community.

There is a memorial to Njue, a bicycle with a photo and flowers. Signs were put up, telling drivers to slow down. They sit dejected, battered by the rain. Don’t let time do to you what it did to those posters. Remember Njue. Next time you drive, remember the cyclists.

Article by Emmett Coughlan