‘Devastating’: Community reeling after fatal crash during Okanagan Granfondo

Questions are being raised as to what led to a tragic collision at the Okanagan Granfondo event that killed one and seriously injured two others.

Shock and heartbreak are rippling through B.C.’s cycling community after a tragic crash during the Okanagan Granfondo.

One cyclist was killed and two others seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle on Sunday morning on a rural road near a golf course.

The incident occurred along White Lake Road, a stretch just outside Penticton, near St. Andrews by the Lake Golf Resort. Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield confirmed the victim was a woman from the Lower Mainland. Her family has been notified.

“It’s just devastating, because this is the first time something like this has happened in Penticton with the Granfondo,” said Mayor Bloomfield.

He added that the area is typically quiet, with limited traffic.

“The course was well-marked, it was well-governed, and traffic control was highly visible,” he said.

The Okanagan Granfondo is a 155-kilometre ride through the South Okanagan, attracting cyclists from across the province and beyond. Organizers had released a pre-event safety video explaining the new route introduced this year, and urging riders to remain cautious in some areas, especially given the course includes open roads where traffic is still present.

Cycling community reeling

Neil McKinnon, founder of the Whistler Granfondo, says these kinds of tragedies shake the entire cycling community.

“It’s a tragedy, and it’s an awful story,” said McKinnon.

“It’s a small community, but it’s passionate community of cyclists. And, you know that when people put on events, their intention is to obviously create amazing experiences, but also in a way that keeps participants safe.”

He says despite events having on-site staff, volunteers and road closures, safety can never be guaranteed.

“It’s hard to mitigate all issues,” said McKinnon. “I’m sure the people who put that event on were very professional in what they did, but accidents happen. And sadly, when you have an interaction with a cyclist and a car, the outcomes are never good.”

This tragedy comes just months after a woman was killed during a cycling event near Victoria and only days after a Cops for Cancer rider was fatally struck in a hit-and-run while training for the event in Prince George.

Advocacy group calls for greater driver awareness

Peter Ladner with the BC Cycling Coalition says these incidents are a reminder of the risks cyclists face on shared roads.

“Cyclists are always vulnerable. Cars always have the upper hand,” Ladner said.“Of course, cyclists have to obey laws, wear helmets, and do everything they can to keep themselves safe. But ultimately, the real danger is to the cyclist, not the driver. It’s up to drivers to keep clear of cyclists.”

Bloomfield echoed those sentiments.

“As a society, we need to respect each other,” said Bloomfield. “Everybody that’s using the road, no matter how they’re using it. We all pay for the roads. We all use the roads. And I think iwe have to have a mutual respect for each other, and then that goes a long way in solving some of these issues.”

No additional comment from organizers, RCMP

The Okanagan Granfondo posted a statement on social media saying it is heartbroken and is co-operating with police but no further comment has been made.

CTV News reached out to both RCMP and event organizers for further comment but did not receive a response before deadline.

It remains unclear what led to the deadly crash.