“This is just a shock all around,” said Alexander. “As cyclists, we are very vulnerable just by the nature of us being out there without much more protection than a helmet.”

He asked that drivers “become more aware of cyclists, and remember that the riders are mothers, fathers, friends, neighbors, kids and grandparents.”

Alexander will lead the memorial ride. The cyclists will pass the location where Vieira was struck before continuing into Oro Valley. The ride will end back at Beyond Bread, where the cyclists will share stories about Vieira, a retired owner of a photographic stock house in White River Junction, Vermont.

Vieira had led a Monday ride since 2009 for Cactus Cycling Club of Tucson. He also participated in cycling events for veterans through Velo\Vets, helping injured veterans become active through cycling, recalled Alexander.

Fellow cyclists shared their emotions on Alexander’s Facebook page:

“I would like to attend Monday’s ride to honor Ken, no matter how hard it will be,” wrote Laurie Niemiec. “He was so kind; he would pull off onto a side street to make sure those in the back of the pack (me) were okay and knew where to go.”

Another cyclist, Patrick Grant, shared: “I live in Illinois and for the last two winters I’ve been in Tucson to cycle. ... His love of cycling and passion for helping newcomers were off the charts. He will be missed. It’s little consolation knowing he died doing something he loved.”

Contact reporter Carmen Duarte at cduarte@tucson.com or 573-4104. Twitter: @cduartestar

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