Neighbors raising money for cycling advocate injured in hit-and-run
MAPLEWOOD, New Jersey (WABC) -- There was an outpouring of support for a community leader who was badly hurt in a hit-and-run crash while riding his bike in New Jersey last week.
John Speck is a husband and father of two who also leads an organization where students bike together to school.
Neighbors across Maplewood are rallying around him and raising money as he begins what will be a long recovery.
The incident happened over the weekend on Parker Avenue, not far from the victim's home.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for Speck, who was hit by a driver who fled the scene.
He leads the Clinton Bike Club, which encourages kids to ride their bikes to school.
The principal of Clinton Elementary says the program is very popular.
"He came to us with an initiative to have a bike bus. Not only does it provide a safe route because everyone is together, but it also builds community. Especially when you have over 100 kids riding the bikes together," Clinton Elementary Principal Melissa Butler said.
Maplewood is working to become bike-friendly, but there has been some opposition in the past, claiming the roads are too narrow for bike access.
The co-owner of a local bike shop says Speck is dedicated to making the town safe for young bikers.
"John is a very kind guy, one of the nicest people you want to meet. Very active advocate of the cycling community here within Maplewood and South Orange," Co-owner of Urban Cyclery Shop, Ozzie Hansen, said.
Friends are hoping Speck will make a full recovery.
Police are still looking for the driver. Witnesses say the vehicle involved is a white BMW sedan.
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