The Kamloops Cycling Coalition is hosting a memorial ride tomorrow, Aug. 6, to honour Dr. Andrew van der Westhuizen.

van der Westhuizen died from his injuries on June 30, seven weeks after he collided with a truck when it crossed over the multi-use path to enter a construction site next to Highland Road in Juniper Ridge.

The young father of two was taken to Royal Inland Hospital with serious injuries before spending several weeks in the intensive-care unit at Vancouver General Hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries.

“The Kamloops cycling community has been rocked by the passing of Andrew van der Westhuizen,” the Kamloops Cycling Coalition said, in a statement.

“This tragedy spotlights bike safety issues in our city. Many cyclists have had near misses similar to this. We are heartbroken over the loss of Andrew’s life, for the grief of his wife, Jen, their children, his extended family, friends, neighbours and the medical community in which he served.”

Cyclists from across Kamloops are being invited to gather at the Kamloops Bike Ranch ahead of a 10 a.m. start.

“We will make sure that everybody understands some of the safety protocol and then we’re going to have a short ride down the hill,” Deb Alore, with the Kamloops Cycling Coalition told NL News. “We are going to stop part way down at the scene of the collision to have a moment of silence and pay some respects to a fellow cyclist.”

“It is going to be a slow procession down the hill and we’ll have people spaced out and give them the opportunity to reflect on Andrew, on his life, on cycling, on safety, and to show our support for the family.”

A celebration of life will be also be held for Andrew in his hometown of Victoria next Saturday, Aug. 13.

Those looking to make monetary donations to charity in Andrew’s memory are being told to send contributions to BC Children’s Hospital or Ronald McDonald House. People are also being urged to become organ donors through BC Transplant or to donate blood through Canadian Blood Services.

You’ll find more details about the Memorial Ride and the Celebration of Life here.