A year ago August 29th, as I sat outside in the yard enjoying an evening with my 6 year old playing, I got a call from a chaplain at the local emergency room. His father had been hit by a car while riding his bike to work and was severely injured. I left my 17 year old in charge and rushed to the hospital. Twelve days later on September 9th Colin died from the catastrophic injuries, leaving behind our two children, his close companion Triton, and many people who loved him.
This tragedy has taken a toll on the health of me, my children, the community I’m in, and the community he left behind. Riding a bicycle was a lifelong passion of Colin’s and his primary mode of transportation. While there are many people who bike recreationally, Colin like many of his contemporaries who work in food service biked for his livelihood. At 40 years old he was healthy and strong so our family has been able to find comfort that his death allowed for organ donation that saved the lives of others.
Our grief is a heavy, lonely load that we carry with support from our community.
Transforming Wealth with the vision of robust community support has ensured our survival over the last year.
Transforming Wealth was still a relatively new nonprofit blossoming from the relationship of two moms from different class backgrounds. This tragedy forced a change in the trajectory of our work as well as alignments that ensure our focus on making sure everyone has access and opportunities for their health. Our focus on community health via cross class relationship building is generated in the passion and energy of connection so transformation happens, sustainably and intentionally.
Falls Area Bicyclists helped us in having a ghost bike that our children tend as a memorial to their dad, monthly updating the decorations. These acts of love are in hopes that we help ensure that no one has to endure the loss that we have, and it has offered us a guiding promise this last year.
Our community is healthier and stronger when everyone is safe to walk, bicycle, or drive to their destinations. Over the next month we hope to foster conversations about how we can make decisions that protect people who bike or walk, taking community responsibility for each other and supporting advocacy for transportation access as a part of health equity.
What are you curious about your health? Do you bike – for fun or for transportation? Do you think your class background impacts how your bicycling is perceived?
“A group of 25 people biked a mile to an intersection at Augustana University’s Elmen Center on Thursday evening, the site of a tragic car accident that resulted in the death of Colin Tibbetts.
Tibbetts, 40, was struck by a car while biking to work last month. He passed away after being hospitalized for 10 days.
“He was someone that showed the power of hard work, love and transformation,” said Julia Tasuil, Tibbetts’ partner. “He loved biking. That was definitely the way he got around.” ”
