TJ Day liked riding his bike to and from work at Walgreens. It helped him stay fit and gave him time to wind down in the evening.
He wore a reflective vest, helmet and added lights to the front and back of his bike for safety. He did everything right, said his sister Kelli Day.
Still, TJ was hit by a car on his way home from work on Feb. 18.
Another driver who found him in a snowbank on Lovers Lane near Stryker Way after the hit-and-run. That driver stayed in contact, and later offered to buy TJ a new bike. But in the meantime, supporters of TJ had already raised more than $20,000 to buy him a car.
As of Thursday, March 6, a GoFundMe Kelli organized has raised $23,427, with a goal of $28,000.
TJ has always been apprehensive about driving, but now he’s more nervous of biking, Kelli said. The generosity of his community will help him get a safe and reliable car.
@DemBoSain
Village Buys Long Dress For Sexual Assault Victim.
I wouldn’t accept a car if it were given to me for free. The car costs more money to keep on the road per month than buying a new bicycle every month does. Cars also pollute the air and crush people. Not to mention the environmental effects of roads. Asphalt is toxic waste from crude oil refineries. #VictimBlaming #FuckCars #CarCentrism
I’m pretty sure we can’t avoid them. Not everyone can bike and buses need roads. As do emergency services.
@Droggelbecher A single 3 meter wide lane in each direction can accommodate busses, emergency vehicles, and public services. It doesn’t have to be made of asphalt and it doesn’t have to be wide enough for busses everywhere. Every street isn’t going to be a bus route. Splitting the opposing lanes with a line of trees and greenery helps keep sunlight off of the road and reduces some effects of the overheating of the air by heat absorption and radiation in streets.