The worst part of my job as the Santa Clara County Advocate is reporting the loss of yet another bicyclist. This loss hits extremely close to home as Ellen Le, an SVBC volunteer, means much more than the daily numbers of traffic fatalities/crashes to those who were privileged to know her.

Getting to know Ellen Le

Ellen Le crossed SVBC’s path as a part of Veggielution’s Eastside Connect. On June 5th of last year, she along with her bicycling friends at XDV and ACTC volunteered to give back to her community by navigating the fast-paced streets of East San Jose to help deliver pounds of healthy farm-fresh vegetables to those in need and without access.

Ellen Le (center) with a trailer of vegetables at Veggielution joined by fellow volunteers and friends from Almaden Cycle Touring Club’s (ACTC)and Xe Dap Viet (XDV) bicycle clubs

To simply say that Ellen was a well seasoned and experienced bicyclist just doesn’t say enough. Ellen’s rides stats which are available on the Almaden Cycle Touring Club’s (ACTC) Stats Information page, log Ellen in, as bicycling more than 1500 miles in 2021. Her longest ride was a 3-Day Climb Fest known as a Goat Ride, where she bicycled a total of 184 miles on Day 1. Besides the ACTC and XDV club rides Ellen also completed 6 double centuries in 2021 (her first year riding 200 miles in one day).

Ellen’s final ride

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the events that took place on Sunday, February 6th. On this day Ellen would get on her bike like she had done many times before. Unfortunately, this day would be like no other. Ellen would set off to go for a scenic afternoon ACTC ride led by an experienced rider, fellow SVBC Member, and XDC co-founder Dzung Dang but she would never return. While riding her bicycle northbound on Mines Road, Ellen encountered a Land Rover being driven southbound by a 27-year-old man. The driver crossed the center divider lines ultimately colliding with Ellen and resulting in her untimely death.

The SVBC staff sends our condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Ellen Le. The only thing as bright as Ellen’s smile was her bright pink, white, and black riding apparel and matching bike. Ellen was was really interested in introducing more women to the bicycle and we hope that many women show up to join the friends of Ellen who have created a Memorial Bike Ride to honor her this Sunday, February 13th. The ride is open to the public.