Hundreds of motorcyclists are expected to gather in West End to remember Ken Hembrow, a 37-year-old father tragically killed while lane filtering in the CBD earlier this year.
The memorial event, dubbed “Ken’s Ride for Justice,” is scheduled for Sunday, 11 August 2024, marking seven months since the fatal crash. Riders will depart from New Farm Park at 8:00 a.m., winding their way through the city before arriving at West End Park on Jane Street at 9:30 a.m.
Organisers have encouraged participants to wear green, Ken’s favourite colour, as a tribute. The ride, sponsored by several motorcycle organisations including SEQ Motorcycle Riders and the Queensland Motorcycle Council, aims to raise awareness about motorcycle safety and support Ken’s family. Chrissy Hembrow, Ken’s widow and business partner at their Urban Hair Loft salon, expressed her gratitude for the community’s support.
“Ken was an amazing dad and a gentle giant. This outpouring of love means so much to our family,” she said.
The Tragic Incident
On 11 January, Ken Hembrow was on his way to work when he was struck by a vehicle driven by 62-year-old Scott Cornelius James Van Iperen at the intersection of Adelaide and Queen streets. Despite having 12 years of riding experience, Hembrow succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Van Iperen pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention. In July, he received a six-month jail sentence, suspended after two months. The relatively light sentence has sparked controversy within the motorcycle community.
Magistrate Joseph Pinder noted during the sentencing that Van Iperen had shown “impatience and intolerance” towards motorcyclists. The court heard that Van Iperen had made disparaging remarks about motorcycle riders to police following the incident.
Community Response
The tragedy has galvanised the motorcycle community. Holly Moore, a client of Ken’s, set up a GoFundMe to support Chrissy and their young daughters, Willow and Hazel. “Ken was not just talented at what he did, but also a devoted ‘girls’ daddy’,” Moore said.
The memorial ride and subsequent gathering at West End Park aim to not only honour Ken’s memory but also to advocate for better road safety measures and awareness of motorcycle lane filtering laws. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by riders on the road and the lasting impact of road incidents on families and communities.
Published 10-Aug-2024
