I have hesitated to comment because I did not know the man, and cannot remember having had any contact with him. Nevertheless, I want to record my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and velo-colleagues who knew him, or had contact with him. Everything points to his being missed by a lot of folks.

This comment is prompted by my remembering that one of my best friends was hit by an intoxicated driver near Victoria BC. (The driver was never charged, nor did he ever apologize.) My friend lost his life on the spot.

This is not to suggest that the driver in this case was in any way a miscreant. Accidents, in the true sense of the word, do happen. Moreover, we do not know the circumstances. But, Mr Martinez's catastrophe might well remind all of us that our chosen vocation is not without risk. We must remind ourselves of what we have to do to try and protect ourselves, as well as educate our children in all matters of cycling safety and precaution.

May all the winds be at your back from now on — fellow traveller.