Los Angeles cyclists are grieving again — and this time, the loss hits painfully close.

Sixteen‑year‑old Hernan Martinez was killed in Hyde Park, and his family is now living through the nightmare no parent should ever face. In response, cyclists from across the city came together in solidarity, forming a united front of support, love, and collective outrage at yet another preventable death on our streets.

Last night, LA Critical Mass cyclists linked up with our Security Advisory Director, Shannon Brown, and the Taco Tuesday Bike Ride. Shannon leads the Taco Tuesday ride every Tuesday evening. Together, we rolled out from Culver City and pushed east toward Hyde Park. Cyclists came from all over Los Angeles and surrounding cities, forming a diverse group united by grief, determination, and a shared commitment to stand with the Martinez family during their vigil for Hernan.

This wasn’t a casual meetup. It was a deliberate act of community — a statement that the Martinez family is not alone, and that Hernan’s life will not be forgotten.

The Martinez Family’s Strength, Warmth, and Courage

When the cyclists arrived, they were met by dozen of Martinez family members — a large, close, deeply loving family that showed extraordinary warmth despite their heartbreak. They greeted riders with kindness, spoke with them, thanked them for coming, and welcomed them into their space.

They offered food, and everyone ate together. It was simple, human, and deeply meaningful — a moment where grief and community blended into something that felt like healing, even if only for a night.

The Martinez family was not distant or overwhelmed by the crowd. They were present. They were open. They were grateful. And they made sure every cyclist felt welcomed.

Their strength was also evident earlier this month, when members of the Martinez family attended the September LA Critical Mass ride. They spoke directly with our cyclists about the horrific traffic violence that took Hernan’s life, sharing their pain, their truth, and their determination to seek justice. Their presence reminded everyone that this tragedy is not abstract — it is real, it is devastating, and it happened to a family that rides with us.

Advocates and Survivors Standing Together

The vigil brought together not only cyclists, but advocates and survivors who understand this pain firsthand.

Kellie and Eddie Montalvo of SAFE Corona IE, who lost their own son Benjamin, were present — offering the kind of support only a family who has lived through this kind of loss can give.

This gathering wasn’t just a vigil. It was a coalition of families, advocates, and cyclists who refuse to accept that traffic violence is normal.

A Community That Shows Up

The ride to Hyde Park, the vigil, the shared food, the conversations, the tears — all of it reflects what LA Critical Mass has always been:

A community that shows up. A community that supports families in their darkest moments. A community that demands accountability. A community that refuses to let victims be forgotten.

Hernan’s name will be carried through the streets of Los Angeles. His family will not stand alone. And the cycling community will continue to fight until this city finally protects the people who ride its streets.

We ride for Hernan.
We ride for the Martinez family.
We ride for every life stolen by traffic violence.

Support the Martinez Family

The Martinez family has opened a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses, medical costs, and the overwhelming financial burden that comes with sudden tragedy. We are including their GoFundMe link so the cycling community and the broader public can support them directly.