Ride honors Triangle cyclist killed in accident

Bruce W. Rosar, 52, of Cary, died after turning left from Salem Street onto Apex Peakway and crossed in the path of an oncoming car. Police said neither Rosar nor the car driver could see the other until impact. The driver wasn't charged.

Rosar, owner of Triangle Roadway Bicycling, had been bicycling in the Triangle for more than two decades. He was a defensive driving expert and a leader in national and regional cycling groups.

After his death, the NC Bicycle Club quickly changed plans for its annual ride Sunday to celebrate the life of Rosar, a past president of the club. Some 260 riders took part in the rally.

The group added a 7.5 mile ride so that friends of Rosar who are inexperienced cyclists could join. The rally also had 100K, 40 mile and 20 mile rides. At the start and finish lines, bicyclists could drop off or write cards and letters for Rosar's family.

Cyclists were encouraged to wear black armbands and bring squeaky toys. Organizers said Rosar always had a squeaky toy on the handlebars of his bicycle.

Safety, though, is the best way to remember Rosar, according to the NC Bicycling Club.

"One of the best ways we can celebrate Bruce's life and his many efforts is to drive our bicycles on this ride, and every day going forward, to be fully conscious of all traffic (bicycles, cars, skaters, pedestrians, etc.) around us, and to drive predictably and courteously," the group posted on its Web site.

The NC Bicycling Club suggested giving donations in memory of Rosar to the following organizations:

Phone: 919-851-8404

Reference: The Rosar Memorial

Web site: www.unctv.org