FORT WORTH — Cyclists will rally Sunday to promote bike safety awareness and raise money for a Fort Worth rider injured in a hit-and-run crash last month.
"Share the Road Fort Worth" will feature a free ride that starts at Zio Carlo Magnolia Brew Pub and follows some of the same route that Zac Ford took when he was run down Aug. 8 on Camp Bowie Boulevard, organizers say.Concerts, raffles, a silent auction, arts and crafts, pizza and beer will follow the ride that ends back at Zio Carlo's, said Bailie Duncan, an organizer.As of Tuesday morning, 144 people indicated on Facebook that they would attend the event."The bike community is pretty tight-knit and everyone wants to get together to help Zac and raise awareness to keep everyone safe out there on the road," Duncan said.Ford, a 26-year-old waiter, was riding on Camp Bowie near Crestline Road when he was apparently struck from behind by a vehicle about 9 p.m. He suffered a concussion, a gash in his head, road rash on his face and body and stitches in his lower extremities.He spent two days in the hospital.Police said after the crash that they had no workable leads in their investigation.Half of the money raised Sunday will go to help Ford pay his medical bills and the other half will go to Bike Texas, a non-profit that increases awareness and interest in bicycle access, safety and education in Texas, Duncan said.Riders from Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio are expected to attend, she said.The ride starts at 10:30 a.m. at Zio Carlo's. The concert begins at 1 p.m. at the brew pub, she said.Air traffic controllers from Dallas/Fort Worth Airport will present Ford with a new bike at the event, controller Victoria Harville said in an email. She and her co-workers decided to raise money for the new bicycle after reading a news account of Ford's accident.Alex Branch, 817-390-7689Twitter: @albranch1Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
