The David D. Hammar Foundation
First Annual “Ride for Awareness”

The David D. Hammar Foundation, will be hosting its first annual “Ride for Awareness” on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at Rock Spring Park . Come out to support The David D. Hammar Foundation, and promote bicycle safety & helmet awareness, by enjoying a fun day of cycling around scenic Long Valley and Califon, NJ .

Registration for the scenic 30.0 mile road ride is from 7AM to 8AM , on the day of the event. Start time is 8:30 AM There is a $35 registration fee (reduced to $30 for pre-registration at bikereg.com http://www.bikereg.com/events/register.asp?eventid=8370 )

The entry fee includes unlimited fun, a T-shirt, an organized ride with police presence, ride support, refreshments at mile 13, a light breakfast (bagels, bananas, etc.), and awards for top three Men & Women finishers.

There are a few challenging climbs on the route, but they are all rewarded with fun descents. This will be a very enjoyable ride for every cyclist of every capability.

The mission of the David D. Hammar Foundation is multifaceted. The foundation is determined to support the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians on the roadways and to promote the education of the public on safety procedures. The foundation is dedicated to raising funds to construct bike lanes, promote helmet use, support local rescue squads, promote organ donation, provide scholarships for outstanding student athletes, and a number of other community programs.

Accidents involving bicycles and cars not only affect the bike rider and their family, but the driver has to live with the knowledge of their unintentional involvement.  It is a circumstance that could happen to anyone . The foundation wants to prevent such tragedies from affecting all parties.  The foundations goal is to take a proactive approach to the prevention of bike accidents by promoting the awareness of both cyclist and driver on safety procedures and sharing the road.

David D. Hammar was involved in an fatal accident on September 21, 2006 while riding his bicycle for exercise on West Mill Road in Long Valley . Revived at the scene by paramedics, he was rushed to Morristown Memorial Hospital by helicopter where he was declared brain dead. David was an organ donor and his liver and both kidneys were provided to 3 people.

David was an inspiration to his family and friends throughout his life and continues to be an inspiration even after his death.  The David D. Hammar foundation continues those values exemplified by his life.