Naples cyclist killed by driver last month to have memorial service May 19

A memorial service is later in May for a Naples cyclist killed when a driver hit him in North Naples last month

Donald "Jim" Badger, 63, died April 12 from injuries he suffered in the crash while he was riding his bicycle along Immokalee Road, Florida Highway Patrol reported last month.

A Celebration of Life begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at the Eva-Sugden Gomez Center at Baker Park, 50 Riverside Circle, Naples, said his obituary at naplesnews.com.

What happened during the bicycle-vehicle crash April 12

Badger was cycling west along a sidewalk approaching a driveway access at Logan Landing shopping plaza about 1:50 p.m., Florida Highway Patrol said in a news release in April.

About the same time, a 32-year-old Naples woman was driving an SUV north on the driveway access of Logan Landings, 2270 Logan Blvd. As the driver made a right turn onto eastbound Immokalee Road, she struck the bicyclist, state troopers reported.

Badger suffered critical injuries and was transported to Gulf Coast Medical Center in Lee County, where he died that night.

The crash remains under investigation, FHP Lt. Greg Bueno said May 8 in email. State police has not released the name of the SUV driver.

Jim Badger moved to Naples with his wife Jane in 1996, and for a decade was a performer at Ridgway Bar & Grill in Naples.

"Jim Badger was there for the early years of the resurgence of Ridgway Bar & Grill," said Tony Ridgway, chef-proprietor.

"Jim’s humor and natural talents were a huge draw and an integral part of the restaurant’s success in that era. Jim was superb entertainer, and an even more fabulous human being."

Ride of Silence event set for May 15 in Naples

Naples Pathways Coalition has invited the community to participate in the National Ride of Silence Tuesday, May 15, to honor cyclists who have been injured or killed while cycling, to raise awareness of the importance of bicycle safety, and to ask that everyone do their part to safely share the road.

Participants are asked to meet from 6-6:30 p.m. at Cambier Park, 755 Eighth Ave. S, Naples, before heading out at 6:30. Helmets are required for the slow, hour-long ride in silence those whose lives were lost or changed dramatically because of a crash while biking.

Many participants will be wearing their neon yellow Naples Pathways Coalition shirts for visibility and unity. For anyone without one, shirts will be available for a donation before and after the ride.

There is no fee to participate in the Ride of Silence, but participants are asked to register at https://bit.ly/ROS2024. Donations will be accepted to help advocate for the families of individuals killed while biking or those still struggling after a serious crash.

Earlier this year: 61-year-old cyclist killed in North Naples collision with SUV

Bikes for Tykes will provide loaner bikes and helmets at no charge for anyone who wants to be part of the event but does not have a bike. They must be returned at the conclusion of the ride. Bike requests must be made no later than May 14 by emailing [email protected].

Staff writer Diana Biederman contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Memorial service May 19 for Naples cyclist Jim Badger killed in crash