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Safer roads needed, family of cyclist killed by hit-and-run driver says

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2024/06/10/safer-roads-needed...

A 61-year-old cyclist was on the way to his job at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights when he was killed last week by a speeding driver who fled the scene.

The national museum said in a news release sent on behalf of the man’s family Monday that Rob Jenner was its shipper/receiver and had worked there since September 2014. He regularly cycled to work, the CMHR said.

Jenner was cycling eastbound on Wellington Crescent near Cockburn Street when he was hit by an eastbound vehicle shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday.

“Rob was killed cycling to work, something he loved to do. He knew cycling in this city could be dangerous, but he loved it,” the family said.

“The city needs to do more for safer roads for cyclists, and we would ask every driver in Winnipeg reading this to think of Rob and take extra care and patience while passing cyclists. We don’t want another family to experience this grief.”

Jenner’s widow, Wendy Van Loon, said in the statement that, “He was my everything. And I know I was his.”

More than 100 cyclists blocked a stretch of Wellington Crescent and the adjacent street at a protest late Friday afternoon. Some people in the crowd held signs demanding action to protect cyclists and pedestrians with protected bike lanes and slower speeds.

Jenner, a grandfather, was a caring person who was looking forward to retirement, his family said.

“He was an artist and writer; his home was filled with art. He was also an incredible chef — his family and friends looked forward to the meals he prepared for them with love,” the statement said.

“Rob was friendly, blunt and also very kind. He had a soft spot for people and was quick to connect with everyone. He was a person who treated everyone he knew with respect and dignity.”

Beckham Keneth Severight, 19, has been charged with dangerous driving causing death and leaving the scene of a collision. He has had no prior convictions in Manitoba, court records show.