Nearly two years after the tragic death of a young boy in Colorado, his community is coming together to make a change. This event, known as Ollie’s Ride for Change, was created to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, particularly texting while behind the wheel. The movement also honors those who have lost their lives to this preventable cause.
The Tragic Loss of Oliver Stratton
Oliver Stratton, a 10-year-old boy, was riding his bike in Timnath when he was struck and killed by a distracted driver in August 2023. The woman, 50 years old, was texting while driving at the time. His parents, Clarissa and Rod Stratton, have been heartbroken since the incident. Despite their grief, they have used their pain to fuel a mission: to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy.
Ollie’s Ride for Change: A Fun Way to Raise Awareness
Ollie’s parents organized the event, which saw the participation of many locals who want to spread the message about road safety. During the event, people decorated their bikes with Pokémon themes and rode two laps around a lagoon at Colorado State University (CSU). The goal was to bring attention to the dangers of texting and driving while creating a positive, fun atmosphere in memory of Oliver.
Clarissa Stratton shared how joyful it was to see the community unite, saying, “It is now like one of the most dangerous times in Colorado to be a human being existing outside of a vehicle.” The event aimed not only to remember Oliver but also to encourage people to be more responsible drivers.
The Push for Safer Roads
At the heart of Ollie’s Ride for Change is a simple, yet powerful message: people need to put their phones down while driving. The Strattons believe that every driver must understand the importance of keeping their attention on the road. As Clarissa explained, “We have to do better about protecting each other’s lives, and that means being better drivers. Putting down the cell phone. It is against the law.”
Ollie’s death left an indelible mark on the family. Clarissa shared how they feel the weight of their loss every single day and how it drives them to keep pushing for changes to prevent such accidents from happening again. They hope to inspire more people to take responsibility for their actions behind the wheel.
A Commitment to Change: Pledging to Drive Safely
In addition to the bike ride, the event featured resources for cyclists and encouraged attendees to sign a pledge. This pledge is a commitment from both adults and children to drive without distractions and to speak up if they see someone texting or doing something unsafe while driving. For the Strattons, it’s about encouraging every driver to take the responsibility seriously.
Clarissa reminded everyone of the gravity of this issue: “Please drive like lives are depending on it because they are, and my family knows better than most the cost of distracted driving.” The Strattons believe that through education, awareness, and personal responsibility, distracted driving can be reduced.
Ollie’s Ride for Change is a heartfelt and powerful movement to honor the life of a young boy taken too soon. It serves as a reminder to all drivers that distracted driving has serious consequences, not only for the driver but also for innocent people on the road. By coming together as a community, we can raise awareness and make a real difference in creating safer roads for everyone.