In Memory and Honor of Art Weekley

Last week, Middletown resident Art Weekley died from injuries he sustained when he collided with a deer while riding his bicycle on Ocean Drive in Newport. Art was riding with his friends Sam and Herk when the crash took place - at 7:15am. It was a ride they took almost every morning together. Art was a much-loved father, grandfather, husband, and friend to many. He was an experienced and avid cyclist. He will be deeply missed.

There are many questions on the minds of those who cycle Aquidneck Island and other areas where deer are present: What happened? And how could it be avoided? The only answer for those who want to understand – and prevent another such tragedy – is not especially satisfying. It was an unpredictable accident of time and place. Art was in the path of a running deer and he didn’t have a chance.

At Bike Newport, we checked in with the RI Department of Environmental Management for guidelines to share regarding deer behavior. In addition to standard cautions to remain aware of our surroundings, they shared these basic facts of how deer generally move about, and when:

- Deer are most active at dawn and dusk.

- Deer travel in groups – if one deer crosses your path, another will likely follow.

- Activity between adults and their young peaks in the month of June.

- The months of November and December are an active breeding time, and deer tend to act more erratically.

It’s helpful to know when we can expect more activity, but clearly it’s important to always be aware of the natural surroundings. We don’t know that there is any way that Art could have avoided the collision with the deer. The only way we can be certain of avoiding the same is not to ride. And that isn’t an option.

Our hearts go out to Art’s wife, Sara Chadwick, his children, grandchildren, extended family, and loved ones.

We know that Art would agree with our golden rule: Ride safe. Ride happy. Ride.

Rest in peace, Art Weekley.