NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WVEC) -- Wendy Dee’s best friend Kevin Ryder passed away one year ago in an off-duty motorcycle accident.
“It’s hard for me to talk about Kevin being that it’s only been a year. Kevin was the brother, the uncle, the father, the police officer, that you would want to come help you in an emergency,” said Dee.
Since his death, Dee’s been working with the biker community to bring change for riders.
“I myself-- my motorcycle’s black, I wear a black leather jacket, so at night it’s hard to see me. So with the lights on the motorcycle, it’s easier for other cars to see you,” said Dee.
Dee’s been working with lawyer Elizabeth Sorrell on House Bill 1464.
“The governor signed it today, and that bill is going to allow for red and amber lights on the side of your motorcycle. Which allows us to be more visible. That goes into effect July 1," said Sorrell.
Sorrell said this bill move was necessary since DMV numbers show motorcycle fatalities are up since last year.
“We had 107 fatalities this year... I believe there were 72 last year. So that’s quite a big difference and so we want to be seen and we want other motorists, people in vehicles, to look for the single light, not the double,” said Sorrell.
Sorrell said Dee’s done everything in the name of Kevin.
“She’s worked very hard to bring motorcycle awareness, and to memorialize the date that Kevin Ryder has passed,” said Sorrell.
Dee has organized a fundraiser in Kevin’s honor for Sunday, and she said he will be there in spirit.
“I just picture him smiling down on us with that beautiful happy smile of his,” said Dee.
The fundraiser will be at the Newport News Quaker Steak and Lube on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome to join.