Friends Pay Tribute To Tulsa Cyclist With Memorial Bike Ride

Sunday, August 12th 2018, 9:56 pm

By: News On 6

Friends paid tribute to a bicyclist who was hit and killed by a pickup.

Thiemo Schmidt, 30, lost his life on a bike ride with a friend in late July. Police say they both were struck by a pickup truck near 11th and Harvard.

The driver of the pickup Timothy Littrell is charged with second-degree murder and DUI. Officers say the other cyclist wasn't seriously hurt but Thiemo died at the hospital from his injuries.

"Remember they're people too and everyone wants to get where they're going safely," said Thiemo’s friend Zach Stegman.

Today dozens of people took a bike ride to not only show their support for Thiemo's family but to caution drivers to be more aware of bicyclists.

"Tulsa's a great biking community and this kind of stuff happens way too often and it's so easy to avoid just by paying attention," said Stegman.

7/29/2018 Related Story: Friends Remember Cyclist Killed In Tulsa Truck Accident

Thiemo's aunt, Ingrid, is thankful for the years she had with him.

"Thiemo is a very kind and helpful young man," said Ingrid

Thiemo was a Civil Engineer who moved to Tulsa from Germany. Friends say his passion was biking and adventure.

"He's just a caring guy. He wanted everyone to be taken care of he didn't think about himself. He was just a great guy all around," said Stegman.

The driver of the pickup was also charged with driving with a suspended license.