Community Honors Cyclist Alex Rozos; Calls for Enhanced Bike Safety Measures

Community Honors Cyclist Alex Rozos; Calls for Enhanced Bike Safety Measures

ASHEVILLE, N.C. Pays Tribute to Beloved Cyclist

On Friday, Aug. 2, the community came together to pay tribute and celebrate the life of the highly respected cyclist, Alexander Rozos. Rozos was killed in a tragic incident that has now prompted calls for enhanced cycling safety measures. Friends and family of Rozos assembled at Cultivate Climbing in Asheville, fondly reminiscing about his life and advocating for safer roads for cyclists in his memory.

Details of the Incident

Alex Rozos was traveling west on his bicycle near the 300 block of Swannanoa River Road around 11:42 a.m. on Thursday, July 18, when a white box truck hit him. The truck continued in the same lane and direction, leaving the scene before the police could arrive. The driver was later identified as Mauricio Roberto Melgar Delgado.

Remembering Alex Rozos

Remembering his last interaction with Alex, his father, Michael Rozos, gets emotional. Alex, in a state of Zen, expressed contentment with his life, his words now carrying a haunting echo. “If I died an hour from that moment, I felt like I hadn’t wasted a second.” the jovial cyclist had said to his father just a day before his life was abruptly cut short.

Celebration of Life and Call for Change

An evening of reminiscence ensued as the attendees celebrated the vibrant life that Alex led. Climbing activities, fireside storytelling sessions, and a dedicated ceremony added a comforting warmth to the somber event.

The gathering wasn’t just about mourning the loss but served as a meaningful platform to address a pressing issue – the safety of cyclists on Asheville’s roads. Michael Rozos echoed his desperate plea for enhanced measures to prevent more such incidents. “If we just save two lives a year by advancing bike safety in Asheville faster, then in a decade, that’s 20 people.” he said, encapsulating the widespread sentiment of the devastated community.

Marred by Unfortunate Incident, Asheville Calls for Change

The unfortunate incident that led to Alex Rozos’ demise, a man who had devoted a considerable part of his life to cycling, has sounded alarms in Asheville. The community is firmly united in its call for safer roads for cyclists. They believe that swift action in implementing advanced bike safety measures can save numerous lives in the long run, ensuring that the roads are safe for all its users.