Friday 13, usually a superstition day but for Australian cyclists a step was made. On Friday 13, 2018 the first cycling memorial was opened at the Woronora Memorial Park.
In November 2017, Mr Ron Doolan was tragically killed at Woronora Memorial Park, after being hit by a car. His family, the local community and bike riders near and far grieved for him. You can read more on this story here.
This tragedy sparked the La Madonna del Ghisallo Cycling Memorial - the first cycling memorial in Australia
La Madonna del Ghisallo is the patron saint of cycling and there is a chapel in Italy dedicated to bike riders. Along the walls of the chapel lay jerseys of cycling legends, photos and pennants from cycling clubs from all over the world. Even the ruined bike that Fabio Casartelli was riding on his death in the Tour de France in 1995. This little chapel in Italy is a pinnacle for paying respect to those that have fallen. Now we have one in Australia.
It is sad and sorry day, when we have to say good bye to any bike riders. Today, Mrs Nicole Doolan, widow of Ron Doolan held strong and reflected on the life of her husband. But she and her daughters are left devastated by his passing. No family should have to say goodbye to their loved ones, and never see them return.
Commissioner Michael Fuller, APM New South Wales Police Force, Cr Carmelo Pesce (The Mayor of Sutherland Shire Council) and Mr Lee Evans MP (State Member of Heathcote) were in attendance. Ultimately, highlight the significance on this memorial and the real life impact of even the passing of one cyclist has on the community.
Bicycle NSW paid our respects to Mr Doolan and also all of the fallen bike riders at today’s service.
If you are in Sutherland Shire, please stop by the Woronora Memorial Park and visit the Cycling Memorial.
We would like to specially thank the Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust for organising the Memorial.
La Madonna del Ghisallo Cycling Memorial
