There is a long, proud history of bicycling in Wisconsin. Bicycling is such an important part of Wisconsin history and culture that for much of 2015, the Wisconsin Historical Museum is hosting a special exhibit called Shifting Gears: A Cyclical History of Badger Bicycling.
Your child may not have known that he was part of a long and proud tradition. Instead, he may have been focused on getting to school, to work, or riding around the neighborhood with his friends. All of that changed in an instant, however, when a driver failed to see your child on his bike and killed him.
What Should You Do Now?
We won’t—we couldn’t—tell you how to mourn. You are living with a pain that is both indescribable and intensely personal. You are the only one who can decide what to do next, but you are not alone. Whatever you decide to do, there will be people, including loved ones and professionals, who will support you.
During the next few months, you might consider one or more of the following:
- Finding out exactly what happened to your child. This may include determining who was responsible for the accident and why it happened.
- Planning the memorial that is right for your family. Consider who should be included and when and where you would like the memorial to take place.
- Pursing a recovery. You won’t profit from your child’s death, but a wrongful death claim can have potential benefits such as holding the responsible party accountable and providing compensation so that your family does not suffer financially while you suffer emotionally.
Remember, there are no right answers. There is nothing that you have to do, other than to take care of yourself and your family.
We Will Fight to Protect Your Family and the Rights of Bicyclists in Wisconsin
Bicycle riders—including children—have the right to ride safely in Wisconsin. Bicycling is not only part of our culture, but it also has many benefits such as saving on fuel and encouraging exercise. If you would like to join us in this endeavor, then we encourage you to share our FREE brochure, Your Guide to Bicycle Safety, on Facebook and Twitter and we invite you to contact us directly via this website.