The Savannah Morning News published an edited letter to the editor from SBC board member Kim Turner on Oct. 28, 2016. Kim is also a member of the Coastal Bicycle Touring Club and was a friend of Dr. Deborah Wilkowski, who was killed by a hit and run driver Oct. 22. Here is her letter as originally submitted, in its entirety:

Once again the cycling community has lost one of its members to a senseless act of violence. Dr. Deborah Wilkowski, a member of Coastal Bicycle Touring Club, was killed last Saturday by someone who was driving with a suspended license. He did not stop. He fled the scene like a coward, and hid until the vehicle could be identified and his picture plastered in the news and social media. He turned himself in Sunday night and is facing three misdemeanors and one felony hit and run charge resulting in serious injury or death. I am sure Debbie’s family and the Savannah medical community are devastated. Our cycling club is shaken to its core.

Deb and I had a Texas connection that we recently discussed over lunch after a regular Saturday ride. I didn’t know her well, but her death and the circumstances around it, have shaken me to the point that I am afraid to get back on my bike. Many times we have experienced drivers who think we don’t belong on the road although Georgia law allows it. Once several of us were almost forced off the road by a dump truck driver. It was clearly intentional and we were able to confront him when he pulled into the landfill on Little Neck Road. When we rode to his truck to talk to him, he raised a sledgehammer to us. Luckily no one was injured.

Instances of “buzzing” us on rural highways, honking as the vehicle approaches from the rear and yelling obscenities are common. And all we are doing is enjoying the sport we love.

I don’t know how many injuries and deaths it will take for people to realize the seriousness of their actions. Fortunately, Dennis Lee Stuart was caught and now faces serious penalties for his crimes. I can only hope he is locked up for years. My fellow club members are ready to testify against dangerous drivers. We are also ready to assist in educational programs to raise awareness of this problem. It is a problem that doesn’t need to be. It is preventable. Kindness and common courtesy go hand in hand with the law. Georgia law requires a motorized vehicle to allow at least three feet when passing a cyclist. On most roads, we are allowed the same rights as a vehicle. This means we may take the lane if that is the safest way to travel and to be seen. Follow the law, be kind and extend us some common courtesy.

I encourage all drivers to take a cycling safety course. Not only will it make you a safer cyclist, it will make you a safer driver. It made me a much more cautious driver and slowed me down considerably.

But for now, we have to say goodbye to one of our beloved club members who died senselessly. It will take a long time to recover, if we ever do.