On Friday, August 29, attorney Sher Kung was struck and killed by a truck while commuting on her bicycle on Second Avenue in Downtown Seattle.
This collision has been described as an example of what is known as a “left hook.” A left hook happens when a turning driver strikes a cyclist who has the right-of-way within a left-side bike lane. The bicycling community in Seattle said the tragedy highlights the fact that standard paint-only bicycle lanes are not suitable or safe in all situations.
An attorney with the firm of Perkins Cole, Kung assisted the American Civil Liberties Union’s Washington affiliate in representing Maj. Margaret Witt, an Air Force flight nurse, in a successful challenge to her discharge under DADT, according to Advocate.com.
Kung is survived by her partner Christine Sanders and their 7-month old baby girl, Bryn.
A Second Avenue Memorial Ride and Service will be held on Friday, September 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in honor of Kung and others hit while walking and bicycling on Second Avenue over the last several years. The public is invited to attend.
5:00 p.m.: Bicyclists will gather at Westlake Park (Fourth Avenue & Pine Street) and slowly ride to Second Avenue and University Street.
5:30 p.m.: Public gathers near Benaroya Hall’s “Garden of Remembrance” Plaza at the northwest corner of corner of Second Avenue and University Street. A moment of silence will be followed by brief words from a community member and an elected official.
6:00 p.m.: Bicyclists will ride to Occidental Park (S Main St & Occidental Ave S) and finish with an informal discussion about next steps as a community and how individuals can personally contribute to a goal of safer streets in Seattle.
For more information, visit is.gd/2ndAveMemorialRide.