Cyclists Ride in Memory of Trish Cunningham Saturday

More than 150 local cyclists have signed on to take part in the Trish Cunningham Memorial Bike Ride and Rally, in honor of the Annapolis High School coach that was killed on August 21 when a minivan struck her bicycle on Riva Road in Edgewater. 

"The objective is to honor the memory of Trish Cunningham and to promote bicycle safety awareness objectives such as sharing the road and the Maryland "3 Foot" law," according to the Facebook page for the event. 

Cyclists will meet at Annapolis High School Saturday morning at 7 a.m. and then ride en mass to Riva Road in Edgewater. The spot where Cunningham was killed will be marked with a "Ghost Bike," according to the event page. The ride will continue down Riva Road to the point just before the Route 214 intersection. 

Anne Arundel County police have issued a traffic advisory for Riva Road between Annapolis High and Route 214 from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Drivers are advised to expect delays, particularly in the following areas: 

1. Riva Road between Annapolis High School and Central Ave (Route 214)
2. Beards Point Road at Riva Road 
3. Governor Bridge Road at Riva Road 

Police say they will be present and helping with traffic control during the ride. 

Event organizers are encouraging those who do not want to ride in the event but would like to participate to make and carry signs promoting bicycle safety.

Cunningham was killed while riding her bike on Riva Road on August 21 when she was struck by a minivan that was attempting to pass her on the road. 

Cunningham's death has sparked an outcry from local cyclists, as well as several local events aiming to increase bike safety and efforts to educate motorists about the laws governing cyclists on the road.