Dan Gebhart and also his Sunday Parkways volunteer tee shirt at Peninsula Park. Dan passed away in a biking accident on September 22nd.
( Picture politeness Cathy Bickerton)
Like many individuals that get here in Rose city alone and also without a network of buddies or family members, Dan Gebhart discovered his “kindred spirits” using our dynamic and also inviting biking area.
” He discovered within the bike area right here in Rose city his calling, advertising more secure roads.”
— Cathy Bickerton, Dan’s mama
That’s one factor his fatality while biking alone is even more unfortunate and also unfortunate.
According to Dan’s mommy, Cathy Bickerton, he was riding house from deal with Tuesday September 22nd when the accident occurred. He operated at a filling station on SE 122nd and also Sunnyside in Clackamas and also was headed west towards his apartment or condo at 72nd and also Foster in southeast Rose city. Bickerton claims he likely collected rate on the curved downhill of SE Otty Roadway, blew up of his bike, and also struck a visual prior to ramming a neighboring fencing. Bickerton stated the Clackamas Area Medical Inspector inspected Dan’s Bike Friday folding e-bike which, “It was apparent the brake cords slid and also would certainly not quit the bike.” (She likewise noted he would certainly been relocating the brake cords around lately after setting up a front shelf.)
Dan was 38 years of ages.
Selfie of Dan at the Dr. That Flight throughout Pedalpalooza putting on a headscarf he weaved himself (” As well as was rather pleased with it,” his mama stated.)
I keep in mind Dan as a silent and also energetic volunteer with Bike Loud PDX that I would certainly typically see at occasions and also conferences. We communicated using Twitter (he’s @DeadPanDan) and also he was a trusted resource that had actually send me images to make use of for tales and also short dispatches from occasions to assist with our protection.
In 2016 he arranged and also led the Say goodbye to Four-Lane Roadways ride to increase recognition of the risks of vast, high-speed arterials. He made an indicator for his bike that read, “All Settings, No Stroads”.
Additionally in 2016, Dan participated in activism to improve safety on SE Division Street which brought about PBOT decreasing the rate restriction. He remains in heaven puffy coat in the commemorative picture listed below of the brand-new brand-new rate restriction indicators:
Dan (blue layer) with various other campaigning for companions commemorating reduced rate restrictions on SE Department in 2016.
Dan was birthed in Elgin, Illinois and also resided in Indiana, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Connecticut and also New Hampshire prior to relocating to Clackamas in 2013. “After months of having a hard time in a brand-new area without any buddies or calls, Dan uncovered the bike area right here in Rose city,” Bickerton shown to me lately. “Pedalpalooza and also Sunday Parkways brought Dan touching kindred spirits– ultimately people he had rate of interests alike with.”
” He discovered within the bike area right here in Rose city his calling, advertising more secure roads for bikers and also pedestrians. He ended up being a participant of Bike Loud PDX and also joined a lot of their campaigns.”
Below’s even more from Cathy:
” In late 2019 Dan bought his initial e-bike, a freight bike. He was so delighted with the cut in his commute time he bought a 2nd one as a traveler bike that arrived this previous March equally as the pandemic hit. Organized bike flights throughout this time around ground to a close to stop, so to kill time Dan used up woodworking with hand devices transforming his little small apartment at 72nd and also Foster right into a quasi-workshop.
Dan’s level remained in Design Modern technology and also his mind was constantly tailored to a ‘repair it’ attitude. He was peaceful, thoughtful, slow-moving to talk and also had a completely dry snarky wit. He was anti-car and also actually operated at a filling station for nearly 6 years. Real to his personality he also provided pumping gas his all. His manager was sad when she listened to the information. “He maintained this area operating,” she stated.”
Dan’s sibling Rachel Moline likewise shared a couple of words concerning him:
” Dan was thin in words yet not in mind and also heart.
In childhood years, Dan was a kind and also motivational sibling that was constantly submersed in some task to broaden his understanding of the globe around him. As a grown-up, he was a buddy. Whether you required aid moving, a home appliance fixed, or an added mind to resolve an issue, Dan aspired to assist.
As Soon As in Rose city he discovered emphasis in a brand-new enthusiasm of biking. He was ultimately able to combine his intellectual searches and also charitable spirit with a higher objective via bike and also pedestrian safety and security. He truly was a gorgeous heart that really looked after his family members, buddies, and also area.”
Family members and also buddies collected on September 26th to bid farewell to Dan. He is endured by his mama, Cathy Bickerton, his papa Leonard Gebhart, his 2 siblings Michael and also Timothy, and also his sibling Rachel Moline.
Bickerton strategies to give away 2 of Dan’s bikes and also great deals of extra components to the Neighborhood Biking Facility.
Relax in tranquility Dan. As well as might the wind constantly go to your back.
— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and also [email protected]
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Jonathan Maus is BikePortland’s editor, author and also owner. Get in touch with him at @jonathan_maus on Twitter or using e-mail at [email protected] or phone at 503-706-8804 (messages alright).
