POWERGRAMS

Hundreds of cyclists ride to honor Robertson's life William Robertson loved cycling. And he inspired many others to climb on their bicycles and ride. He was doing what he loved on Highway 75 in rural Blount County on Aug. 29 when he was struck by a pickup truck. Robertson died and two other bicyclists were injured. His tragic death was the inspiration for hundreds of bicycle enthusiasts to gather Sept. 7 and ride together in his memory. Patrick Packer, co-founder of Black People Run Bike and Swim, organized the ride, one of the largest ever in Birmingham. Robertson was a member of the group and founded another organization, Magic City Cyclers. Robertson worked at Alabama Power in the Real Estate department, but also was a prominent contractor. The company he founded, Ensley-based Monumental Contracting Service, recently completed work on the new Negro Southern League Museum and had worked on the Westin Hotel in the city's Uptown area. On Labor Day morning, the cyclists came from all directions, converging at Railroad Park. At least 500 jammed First Avenue North with bicycles of all shapes, colors and sizes before moving east along the new Jones Valley Trail and through several Birmingham neighborhoods. The ride was not only a message of condolence for Robertson's family; it was a signal to drivers across Alabama to be more aware of the roads they share with cyclists. "William loved to ride and introduced cycling to many in the Birmingham area," Packer said in a statement online. "This tragedy will only make us double our efforts to provide bike safety programs and engage in policy efforts to help the metropolitan Birmingham area to become a safer community for cyclists." The Labor Day ride was led by Robertson's wife, Dianne, and Demetrius White, who was injured in the Aug. 29 accident. Tracey White, 52, also was injured. Birmingham Division Vice President Bobbie Knight served with Robertson on the executive committee of REV Birmingham, an organization that works to revitalize downtown and the commercial centers. "He was one of those people who listened well, and when he spoke, his words were very impactful," Knight said. "His commitment to our community will be greatly missed." Audio Visual Specialist Joe Allen attended church with Robertson and described him as a friend and mentor. Robertson founded a group through their church called the Monday Morning Quarterback Club. Its focus was on goal-setting and "thinking big." "We were all so passionate about his leadership that we would meet every other Monday at his place at 6:30 a.m.," Allen said. "By the time we all would get there, he would've ridden his bike down to McDonald's and brought breakfast back for everyone." Birmingham Mayor William Bell, in a statement, offered condolences to the Robertson family. "Mr. Robertson was not only an outstanding African-American businessman but also a dear friend." Packer posted a plea on the Black People Run Bike and Swim website, as part of the group's tribute to Robertson: "We ask that all drivers please look out for the many cyclists that are on the roads in our community. We have had too many cyclists to be killed and injured by drivers that are distracted and not paying attention to the road." By Michael Sznajderman IN MEMORIAM 3 Friends, associates of Robertson began commemorative ride at Birmingham's Railroad Park. Robertson's widow, Dianne, receives hug before ride. Photos by Nik Layman

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