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Hundreds turn out for memorial bike ride for 20-year-old killed on Charles Street

Posted at 11:22 PM, Jul 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-24 23:22:41-04

With bikes in hand they came ready to ride. Baltimore's cycling community gathering on Charles Street for a memorial ride in honor of Aaron Laciny. 

"It's great to see the support. I hope that people take notice," said Stephanie Laciny, Aaron's mom.

Stephanie Laciny lost her son Aaron last month. The 20-year-old was hit not once, but at least twice on Charles street, and the first vehicle never stopped.

On Monday night, bikers owned Charles Street. It was an 8-mile ride to remember Aaron and send a message to drivers.

"All of us who ride, whether you ride a lot or a little on the roads have experienced the cars just like buzzing you or just being incredibly aggressive for no reason. Just take two seconds and slow down a little bit and give us the room. Three feet is the law," said biker Ethan Greenberg.

While tragedy united them, when they're not a group, they're aware of the danger they're often riding into.
Laciny is just the latest biker to lose his way.

"It's just incredibly frustrating. It was just a year ago, Tom Palermo was killed riding his bike," Greenberg said.

"People need to share the road with bikers, respect them. They're people. They're not just bikers, they're people. They have families," Sharon Laciny said. 

Blood relatives and biking family. Their hope is a little light on the issue will make things safer for all....and bring some peace to those who've lost.

"The person who did this will hopefully be found," she said.