Pacific Daily News: Cyclists to ride out for Oberiano - Saturday ride to coincide with funeral day

Ramon Oberiano took the necessary precautions cyclists must take while riding on Guam’s roads when he was struck from behind by a car on Saturday and killed. The 39-year-old father of two was riding with four other cyclists, wore bright colors and was on the correct side of the road, said Guam Cycling Federation President Jude Baker. The vehicle’s alleged driver, 20-year-old USS Frank Cable sailor Kevin Michael Jackson, has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and other charges. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for Jan. 4.

‘It’s about him’

The cycling federation and Oberiano’s close friends plan to honor his memory by organizing a memorial ride Saturday morning, the day of his funeral. “Originally, the Saturday morning ride we were planning was just a tribute to him by the group of riders that were riding with him,” said Miguel Bordallo, a close friend who was riding with Oberiano that morning. “It’s other cyclists that have in one way or another been touched by Ramon who asked to participate. We don’t have a name for what we are doing because this is not about us, it’s about him.”

Baker said the Saturday morning event, which will be escorted by police, is open to anyone who wants to participate — so long as you have a bicycle to ride. “You don’t have to be an experienced bicyclist because we won’t be going fast,” said Baker, adding he expects anywhere from 50 to 100 cyclists to take part in the tribute.

Bike route

“We’ll ride from the Mountain Bike Outfitter’s shop to the Polaris Point area were he was hit. When we get there, we’ll place a wreath at the accident site,” he said.

Bordallo said he’s spoken with Marlyn Oberiano, Ramon Oberiano’s wife, and the plan eventually is to turn the memorial ride into an annual event. “I think, ultimately, (we’re) looking for something good to come out of this tragedy,” he said.

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Comments by: vballfreek Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 7:59 pm

My condolences to the Oberiano family on the loss of their loved one. I am also amazed with the strength this family has in making a memory of this tragic loss. I think that this bike ride could also be used as a way to bring out not only the awareness of alcohol abuse and drunken drivers but also for pedestrian awareness.

I know that many of the roads on our island do not have sidewalks, but a lot of people get their exercise by either running or biking on the side of the road. For a more day to day awareness, I think this bike ride in memory of Ramon Oberiano can help save the lives of many pedestrians on the road from not only drunken drivers, but from the overpopulated speed racers. Speeding drivers need to be reminded that pedestrians DO have the right of way and they should take more precaution behind the wheel.

Comments by: vanguard Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 6:16 pm

Creating bike lane is not going to help anyone. A drunk is a drunk…and no matter what, a drunk driver will kill. Something has to be done about the alcohol problem on island. Didn’t police and mental health state that alcohol was the number one problem facing Guam’s youth and young adults? Something needs to be done about alchohol, before another person gets hurt.

Comments by: childsplay Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 3:47 pm

My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. It’s so hard and sad to read news like this. He is beloved by all and I wish I was back home to ride in his memory. May the Dear Lord be with Him and His family. And my all the blessings go to all the riders paying tribute to Him. If you have a bike, please ride……I would if I was back home.

Comments by: annd Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 3:08 pm

Condolences to the Oberiano family on the loss of their loved one. For the young man…a husband, brother, friend and a father was lost due to alcohol and the wrong choice to get behind the wheel of a 2 ton automobile while still intoxicated or sleepy. The taking of a life needlessly is something you’ll have to live with for the rest of your life…may the good lord be with you and forgive you for what has happened.

Comments by: jbg Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 12:20 pm

My condolences to Ramon’s family…..he was such a great guy to work with and I know the island’s engineering clan will truly miss him dearly. This tragedy only shows how much new comers to the island are un-familiar with our unique road system and driving habits and it’s just unfortunate tragedies like this happens. One thing I’ve notice lately are our brother Micronesian drivers who trend to drive on the left hand side of the road especially on conjested roads on Marine Drive.

They need to be educated to stay on the right lanes if they were to just complying with the speed limit or just cruising/sight seeing. I’ve experienced driving in Honolulu which is the complete opposite of Guam’s traffic (need to speed-up or else they’ll run you over) and I know I have angered many drivers back there.

Drivers need to be more cautious and alert at all times. In addition, Gov’t of Guam needs to provide bicycle lanes at least on Marine Drive and also enforce and/or implement laws pertaining to the protection of bike riders and runners.