Ollies Bike Parade

Ollie’s Bike Parade is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization founded to honor the life of 10-year-old Oliver Stratton, who was killed by a distracted driver while riding his bicycle home for dinner.

Oliver Stratton lived in Timnath, Colorado.  He was the “little middle” in a family of four children.  He enjoyed riding his bike with his family and had been wearing a helmet and riding on wheels since he was small. He was a cautious rider who knew bike safety well.. He was a cautious rider who knew bike safety well. Despite all of this, he lost his life while simply crossing the street on his bike.

On a beautiful summer day, just a week before he was to start fifth grade, Ollie left his friend’s house to come home for dinner. He never made it home.  A distracted driver hit him just two blocks from home. To our absolute devastation, Oliver’s injuries were catastrophic.  Although we have no doubt that he fought hard to stay with us, he died the next day in our arms.  

We have spent every day missing him and doing everything we can to keep the beautiful joy and light he brought into this world alive. Oliver only put love, goodness, and joy into the world.  He was the kind of person who continually looked around to see who needed a friend, a cheerleader, or a helper.  If he had lived, we are certain he would have spent a lifetime ensuring the safety and happiness of others.

We feel that we honor Ollie’s life and light by doing our part to make sure that our communities do better in protecting vulnerable road users, like Oliver.  Our charity focuses on educating drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, remembering and honoring the lives of victims through community events, and advocating for changes in laws to make roadways safer for cyclists, children, and pedestrians.

It is our hope that in reading about Ollie, you will recognize pieces of your own stories - of people who mean everything to you, just as Ollie did to us- and that you will feel inspired to help us protect their lives by building safer communities. Communities where children can ride their bikes to their friend’s house and make it back home safely.

Please join us in the fight to change minds and save lives!