Josh’s path
Karri Shea is touched that Charlottetown Bike Week will honour her husband, Josh Underhay, and their son, Oliver, and vows to carry on husband’s cycling vision
Karri Shea says she hopes everyone will have their own little adventure during Charlottetown Bike Week in memory of her husband and young son.
The City of Charlottetown will be holding a number of events June 15-22.
This year’s Bike to Work and School Day on Friday, June 21, is being held in honour of Josh Underhay and six-year-old Oliver, who died in a tragic canoeing accident in April.
“It means more than I can say to have my husband and my little boy remembered in this way,’’ Shea told The Guardian in an email interview.
Shea said Josh would take Oliver and his little brother, Linden, to school on his bike every day that he could.
“It was a special time for them, a few moments of stolen peace, a little adventure to start the day,’’ she said. “I hope that those who can will consider having their own little adventure that day in their memory.’’
Shea said Josh cycled to work every day of the year — in rain, snow or sunshine.
“He was stubborn enough about it that even if he got a flat tire, he would repair it on the spot before accepting a drive from me.’’
His wife said Josh had a vision for Charlottetown to become a leader in active transportation. He was a vocal advocate for bicycle safety and the creation of dedicated cycling and mixed-use paths to make cycling accessible and appealing to everyone.
Josh was actively involved in the process that led to the Fitzroy Street bike lane proposal that council ultimately rejected. He also made a presentation to the finance committee last year, looking at routes for the whole city.
Mayor Philip Brown has said Josh was one of the inspirations behind the creation of the mayor’s task force on active transportation.
Shea said her husband would pore over maps of the city and design efficient routes and practical approaches which he presented to council members.
“He believed in the power of transforming commuters into cyclists, to make a happier, healthier city as well as an environmentally friendlier one.’’
Mathieu Arsenault, an avid cyclist and one of Josh’s friends, said there is still work to be done.
Arsenault would like to see dedicated bike lanes and more driver education.
“Sometimes, drivers aren’t paying attention, so I know, for myself, I’m always careful,’’ said Arsenault, a self-employed entrepreneur who works out of the StartUp Zone on Queen Street.
“In general, (cycling in Charlottetown), is pretty good, especially if you use the trail.’’
Arsenault said he and Josh talked a lot about how to make Charlottetown a better
city for cyclists.
“I think it’s great that we’re remembering him, and I will personally like to work towards accomplishing his vision.’’
Shea echoes his sentiments.
“I intend to carry on his work as best I can, to bring his vision for a cycling-friendly Charlottetown into reality,’’ she said.