Brantley Tyndall leads a ghost bike during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Cyclists placed a roadside memorial for Holland along Osborne Turnpike.
More than 50 cyclists gathered at Rocketts Landing Wednesday evening to take part in the global Ride of Silence.
The event — part of RVA Bike Month — honors cyclists who’ve been injured or killed in car-related accidents.
David Randolph rode with Wolf Pack Alpha Cycling, a bike club that promotes inclusion for cyclists of color, to celebrate the life of Jonah Holland.
“We want to promote bike safety and awareness of cyclists, and then we want to do something to memorialize her — as always,” Randolph said.
Holland was killed by a driver on Osborne Turnpike in Henrico County last August while on a Saturday morning ride with her friend, Natalie Rainer.
Shaban Athuman
/
VPM News
Natalie Rainer takes a moment during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Holland, who often rode with the Wolf Pack, also worked as marketing coordinator for Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens for 14 years. She was part of the Richmond Area Bicycling Association, as well as the Richmond Tri-Club, a triathlon training group.
Many of the riders were there Wednesday to celebrate Holland, including her friend Connie Jackson.
“It has a different meaning today,” she said. “I’ve done this event many times before, but never has it ever hit so close to home.”
Jackson said after Holland’s death, she and the group of riders she cycles with are even more cautious out on the roads.
“We’re all as careful as we can be when we're riding, but it does make you more hyperaware,” she said. “Ultimately, there’s nothing that [Holland] could have done differently.”
Jackson and about a dozen others wore special cycling tops that Jackson designed to honor Holland. The blue jerseys had phrases like “Remember Jonah,” “Live for Jonah” and “Ride for Jonah" on them.
After leaving Rocketts Landing, the group headed out onto the Virginia Capital Trail. They stopped at a fork and followed Osborne Turnpike. That's where Brantley Tyndall, of Bike Walk RVA, met the group with a ghost bike — a bike painted entirely white from the back tire to the tips of the handlebars to honor a dead cyclist.
Tyndall, who rode his bike, gently guided the empty ghost bike alongside him and followed the group down Osborne to a spot near where Holland and Rainer were struck by the driver.
Shaban Athuman
/
VPM News
Brantley Tyndall installs a ghost bike with help Emily Monroe during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Rainer is still recovering from her injuries, and the Ride of Silence was her first time cycling down the section of Osborne since the accident. She said it felt good to be surrounded by the cycling community and that the event was a good way to honor her friend’s life.
“She's the type of person who would go to like every single group ride,” Rainer said. “She just loved being out, surrounded by friends and community. And so, this shared space together, I think is kind of a fitting memorial to her, just because I think she'd be happy to see us all out here together.”
The group stopped at a tree that a neighbor donated for Holland’s roadside memorial. Before Tyndall and Emily Monroe, another Bike Walk RVA member, secured the bike to it, Henrico County Supervisor Tyrone E. Nelson told the crowd that the county is doing everything it can to make cycling safer.
“Whether it’s from my own personal experiences or what has happened in different places across the county and across this country, one life lost is too many when it comes to cycling,” he said. “One accident is too many when it comes to cycling.”
Nelson said the county is committed to creating a transportation network where cyclists can feel at home. Henrico County, along with others in the region, recently received federal grant money under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to plan street-safety improvements. County officials told VPM News in February that improvements under consideration include narrowing a number of roadways, sometimes called a “road diet,” by taking some of the extra pavement to provide new bike lanes and potentially pedestrian improvements.
The driver of the SUV that struck both Rainer and Holland has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. A trial is set for July 25.
1 of 22 — A man leans on his bike while wearing a shirt that reads Òlive for JonahÓ as other riders suround him
John Hamilton takes a moment to himself before a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Rocketts Landing in Richmond, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
2 of 22 — Natalie Rainer is framed by two people as they wait to start the ghost ride
Natalie Rainer chats with friends before a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Rocketts Landing in Richmond, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
3 of 22 — two people hug as they are surounded by others on bikes
Natalie Rainer embraces a friend before a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Rocketts Landing in Richmond, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
4 of 22 — Bikers make thier way through the Virginia Capital Trail
Emily Monroe, front left, leads a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland with Natalie Rainer, front right, on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 on Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
5 of 22 — Bikers make thier way through the Virginia Capital Trail
Emily Monroe, front left, leads a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland with Natalie Rainer, front right, on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 on Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
6 of 22 — Bikers make thier way through the Virginia Capital Trail
Emily Monroe, front left, leads a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland with Natalie Rainer, front right, on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 on Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
7 of 22 — Bikers make thier way through the Virginia Capital Trail
Emily Monroe, front left, leads a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland with Natalie Rainer, front right, on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 on Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
8 of 22 — Bikes make their way through the Virginia Capital Trail
Brantley Tyndall stands with a ghost bike as he points riders to their next stop during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
9 of 22 — Bikes are seen in the background on the road as another bike is seen in the foreground
Riders participate in a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
10 of 22 — A man riding a bike hold another bike in honor of Jonah Holland
Brantley Tyndall leads a ghost bike during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
11 of 22 — A man riding a bike hold another bike in honor of Jonah Holland
Brantley Tyndall leads a ghost bike during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
12 of 22 — People gather to listen to Henrico County Board of Supervisor Vice-Chairman Tyrone Nelson
Henrico County Board of Supervisor Vice-Chairman Tyrone Nelson gives remarks during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
13 of 22 — People gather and listen amost themselves
Riders chat amongst themselves during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
14 of 22 — People gather and listen amost themselves
Riders chat amongst themselves during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
15 of 22 — A man arrives while holding a white bike
Brantley Tyndall leads a ghost bike during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
16 of 22 — two poeople chain a bike to a tree as others look on
Brantley Tyndall installs a ghost bike with Emily Monroe during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
17 of 22 — People gather and watch as a bike get installed onto a tree in honor of Jonah Holland
Darlene Brunzell takes a picture as Emily Monroe installs a ghost bike during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
18 of 22 — People gather and watch as a bike get installed onto a tree in honor of Jonah Holland
Brantley Tyndall installs a ghost bike with help Emily Monroe during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
19 of 22 — A man arrives while holding a white bike
Brantley Tyndall leads a ghost bike during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
20 of 22 — People gather and watch as a bike get installed onto a tree in honor of Jonah Holland
Riders take a moment with a ghost bike during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
21 of 22 — A scar from an accident that killed her friend breks a tatttoo into two
Natalie Rainer takes a moment during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
Shaban Athuman / VPM News
22 of 22 — two people take a moment to look at a bike installed onto a tree
Emily Monroe and Brantley Tyndall take a moment with a ghost bike during a Ride of Silence in honor of C. Jonah Holland on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County, Virginia. Holland was killed on the morning of Aug. 13 as she was cycling on Osborne Turnpike in eastern Henrico County. She and Natalie Rainer, a friend, were struck by a motorist who authorities charged with driving under the influence and manslaughter.
