Laramie Memorial Benefit Concert an Enormous Success-- and Message for Safety

Last year William Laramie was struck and killed by a drunk driver while cycling home from work on Burnside Avenue.  
His partner, Linda Piotrowicz, rallied those he had touched with his music and life to put on a memorial benefit conce
rt on Sunday, June 17th.  Bike Walk Connecticut helped publicize the event and our very own Kevin Sullivan played a big role in the impressive silent auction. 

Nine bands played Sunday, and the East Hartford Cultural Center was a perfect venue.  William's family, friends, band mates, and local music lovers enjoyed an afternoon brimming with great music. 

Marcia Leclerc, Mayor of East Hartford, spoke at the event's opening and shared with the growing audience her vision for a safer Burnside Avenue and Main Street--a network of bike friendly roads connecting the downtown to the beautiful Great River Park.  

The concert raised almost $4,000 that will be divided between the East Hartford schools music education program and Bike Walk Connecticut.  

Because of Linda's efforts there will be more music lessons for East Hartford youths and Bike Walk CT will continue to do great work making biking and walking safer.  

Linda and Bike Walk CT are planning to make this an annual event in William's memory.  See you there next year! 
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William's death on Burnside, along with two others, prompted the CT DOT to perform a safety study on this dangerous stretch of road. The CT DOT and City of East Hartford are considering a "road diet" with bike lanes on Burnside Avenue. Recently, bicycle and pedestrian improvements to Main Street (Route 5) in East Hartford were also being discussed.  

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