Toronto cyclist commemorated with memorial ride, ghost bike installation

Hundreds of cyclists gathered Monday evening to remember a well-known and long-serving member of Toronto's cycling community.

Vladimir (Vlad) Zotov of the Morning Glory Cycling Club (MGCC) died on April 8, exactly one week after being hit by a driver near the DVP entrance ramp and Bayview Avenue. He was 59.

Organized by MGCC and Protecting Respect for Bicyclists, the rally included a large memorial bike ride from West Bloor Street and Spadina Avenue to the Don Valley Brickyard area, as well as the installation of a ghost bike memorial near the site of Zotov's murder. The crowd also stopped and took off their helmets with a moment of silence in his honor.

“Vlad was an experienced cyclist. “Many of us, including myself, ride bikes in this area, and some of the bike infrastructure is not very safe, so we need to go to Bayview to avoid that,” said rally organizer Joey Schwartz.

“Sadly, that's what happened and we're just here to remember a man who was a father, a husband and a cyclist.”

Roadway violence victim Jess Spyker of Friends and Family for Safe Streets helped plan Zotov's memorial Monday night.

“It's always a tragedy when a murdered person has to park their ghost bike. I think it's comforting to see the numbers to know how many people care about (vulnerable road user safety) and know that you really are never alone,” he said.

“We know what his family is going through. They entered hell. They will never wake up from this nightmare. It's a pain every day.”

Several people posted messages of condolence to his online obituary, remembering Zotov as “ever kind, smiling, kind and helpful,” “kind,” “warm-hearted,” “who loved life and cherished his family.” the rest”.

Zotov, who worked as a researcher and scientist in Canada's defense research and development, is survived by his wife Lena and three children.

His funeral was held on April 13.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage from the scene is asked to contact Toronto police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

With files from CTV News Toronto's Beth McDonell.