Hundreds cruise in memory of two killed cyclists in Denver

The Denver Cruiser Ride is a monthly celebration of cycling. Many of the usual riders are staunch advocates for better infrastructure, and their mass of cycles embody "strength in numbers" as the group fills streets on their route.

On Wednesday, that route was more important than usual.

Two cyclists were killed in recent weeks. Scott Hendrickson was a grandfather and a loud voice in a push to make Denver's streets more friendly to bikes. Alexis Bounds was a mother who died in an accident with a driver where a battle over bike lanes has simmered.

The ride began at its usual spot downtown, The Gin Mill, and made its way over the Cherry Creek Trail to Bayaud Avenue and Marion Street, on the Denver Country Club's border, where Bounds was killed. They gathered for a candle light vigil and a moment of silence.

But the ride was still fun for many, as it's meant to be. People cheered and smiled as they rode the route. The theme, "dress night," held despite the serious context. Brad Evans, a vocal bicycle and urban design advocate who leads the ride, spoke to reporters about safety and about his friend, Hendrickson, in a wig.

Bounds' father-in-law, Terry Bounds, reportedly told organizers: "It was as close to a New Orleans jazz funeral as we could get."

Here is the night unfolding, in reverse: