Ghost Bike Vigil for Robert George
November 9, 2023  

This statement was read on behalf of Robert's wife, Yasmine Nasser Diaz and his sister, Jennifer George. Yasmine and Jennifer thank Ben York Jones for his assistance in its preparation. Special thank you to Damian Kevitt, Joseph Armario, Sean Meredith, and Adam Saunders for their help with this event, and the many friends who came to show support.

Thank you everyone for being with us here tonight. Thank you to Damian and everyone at SAFE, Streets Are For Everyone, for organizing this event. Your involvement is a form of support we never dreamt of needing, as we shine-light on a dire citywide issue. We gather now to honor the memory of Robert Joseph George, Jr. who died on October 17th 2023, in a preventable bicycle collision at this very intersection. 

Robert George, Bob, as he was often called, had a smile that could light up a room. He was humble and fearless. Joyful and gentle. And if you had the pleasure to know him, you were touched by the depth and peacefulness of his presence. He was exquisitely comfortable in his own skin, and by virtue of his openness and warmth, made those around him feel seen and appreciated. This was Bob George's gift to everyone he met. 

Bob moved to LA from Peoria, IL in the late 90s to pursue a career in film. He began work as a production accountant, before starting his career as a motion picture producer– a role that perfectly combined his skill set with a remarkable propensity for connecting with people, in the most genuine of ways. Producing took Bob around the world, and led him to work with some of the industry's brightest stars. But far beyond his work, Bob’s legacy lives-on in the hearts and minds of those he loved – who loved him back – so deeply. Most of all his wife Yasmine, who survives him, alongside his sister Jennifer. 

Bob found his center in meditation and fitness. He rode his bike daily, and was riding north on Edgemont, on his way to the gym when the driver of a parked car opened their door without checking. Having been ‘doored’ Bob fell into the street, and was immediately struck by an oncoming vehicle. He died shortly after from massive head trauma. 

‘Dooring’, as it’s called, is the #1 fear of urban cyclists. And in Los Angeles, with a startling deficit of safe pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, signage, and roadsharing markers, it’s no wonder that it is. And chances are, many of us are hearing the term ‘dooring’ now for the first time, which is evidence enough for the need for safer driving practices and standards.

Another term, we’d like to perhaps introduce to some, is “Dutch Reach”. If you are unfamiliar, this is a practice for drivers and passengers, where instead of using the hand closest to the door to open it, you use your farthest hand. In doing so, you’re reminded to check your mirrors and blind spot for passing people or other cars. 

Awareness of this practice, this tiny gesture, could have prevented Bob’s death. As such, our agenda here and now becomes spreading awareness. And because it’s personal to us, so too is the name of our small campaign, which we’re calling Robert’s Reach.    

Please post using the hashtag Robert’s Reach in addition to the hashtag Dutch Reach to help us get the word out on the importance of this life or death safety issue that both cyclists and motorists face daily, not only in Los Angeles but cities around the world. 

We hope that with a little more education and awareness we can have an impact in preventing this sort of tragedy —one that claimed the life of our husband, brother, and friend, who had so much more life to live. And so much more to life to give. 

Again, #RobertsReach and #DutchReach. 

Thank you.