Local bike shop owner speaks out following Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau death

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – A respected hockey player and his brother were struck by a car Thursday night while riding bikes. Now, those in the hockey community, and beyond, mourn the loss.

The U.S. Department of Transportation shows Each year, in America, an approximate 850 bicyclists are killed due to traffic accidents. A number that bicycle experts say can be reduced by following a few safety measures.

“The roads are made for multiple use, but everybody needs to do their part for the safety,” Outspokin Bicycle Shop Owner Brett Ardrey said.

New Jersey State Police ruled 43-year-old Sean Higgins allegedly did not do his– and unfortunately, that led to the fatality of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Thursday night.

“Um these two fellas that lost their life, that’s devastating. I think they were going to a wedding…,” Ardrey said.

On the ice, Gaudreau was known as “Johnny Hockey.”

Incidents like the one Johnny and his brother experienced can happen anywhere and anytime. Brett Ardrey says he knows the pain of the careless incident.

“We’ve had a couple, here in Augusta– cycling with our group– we’ve lost a couple of our own cyclists due to DUIs or car incidents…”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports cyclists’ deaths are the highest during summer months– between June and September.

“When we do cycle, we try to use all the safety and precautions that we can. We stay on the right side of the road, we obey traffic signals and lights– we try to get the cars away from us as quick as possible…,” Ardrey said.

It’s why people like Outspokin bike store owner Ardrey says the laws on DUI need to be more firm.

“A lot of countries, when you get a DUI, you lose your license for life. You kill somebody, that’s a death penalty. So, that’s a little harsh, but it’s very serious,” Ardrey said.

A reminder to think, look, and wait when nearing a cyclist or pedestrian when you’re out on the road.

Bike safety tips and information .

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