Sadness and Disbelief

I know that I have sent out e-mails to a few of you about this, but I need to use this forum as well. On Saturday, July 19, my good friend Ewa's father-in-law was riding his bike at 6am. He was struck by a truck and dragged for a block before the truck stopped, backed-up and then left the scene. My friends father-in-law was left at the side of the road to die. He was taken to the hospital and was in ICU as a John Doe for 4 days before his family found him. He died of his injuries on Friday, July 25, 2008. The truck and the driver have not been found.

Mr. Ricardo Graciano was one of the nicest men you would ever want to meet. He was always interested in what you had been up to and made it a point to engage you in conversation. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He was an educator and proud veteran. He was a good father-in-law to my friend and I CAN NOT believe this has happened! How can a person not know they have hit someone and are dragging them under their car??!! And what kind of person leaves a fellow human being on the side of the road to die?

In addition to his many humble contributions of time and money to charities and organizations, Mr. Graciano was very passionate about improving the bike lane system in San Antonio to make it safer for cyclists. To that end, Mr. Graciano's family has started a petition in cooperation with Bike World to make this happen. I know that I have readers that never comment, and that is fine. But please click the link below and sign the petition. The petition asks for all your info, but only your name and state are displayed. I know that Mr. Graciano's family would deeply appreciate your support as they try to make sense of their father's senseless death.

http://www.bikeworld.com/