Eric Okerblom Honored with Bike Trail Dedication
Last summer nineteen year old St. Joseph graduate and UC Berkeley freshman Eric Okerblom was killed by a teen driver while riding his bicycle on Telephone Road.
On August 5th dozens of Eric’s friends, family, and loved ones could be seen filing down Bradley Road at 2 o’clock where they gathered at the entrance to the Orcutt Creek Bike Trail for a very special dedication.
At the head of the trail, which will be renamed, a plaque was placed to honor his memory. To those who knew him, Eric was many things – a cyclist, a runner, a scholar, a joy. Many tearful words were spoken at the ceremony by his mother, father, and girlfriend. They talked of his accomplishments and the positive effect he had on people. They called him an inspiration.
In the wake of their son’s passing, Bob and Eilene Okerblom have become champions against distracted driving, which they believe was the reason for the accident.
The couple have given their time and support to causes such as Oprah’s “No Phone Zone”, FocusDriven, and Save 11 which is working toward passing the STANDUP (Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection) Act.
Bob Okerblom plans to take a cross-country bike ride to honor his son and to spread awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
Rebecca Ross Klosinski reporting
Last summer nineteen year old St. Joseph graduate and UC Berkeley freshman Eric Okerblom was killed by a teen driver while riding his bicycle on Telephone Road.
On August 5th dozens of Eric’s friends, family, and loved ones could be seen filing down Bradley Road at 2 o’clock where they gathered at the entrance to the Orcutt Creek Bike Trail for a very special dedication.
At the head of the trail, which will be renamed, a plaque was placed to honor his memory. To those who knew him, Eric was many things – a cyclist, a runner, a scholar, a joy. Many tearful words were spoken at the ceremony by his mother, father, and girlfriend. They talked of his accomplishments and the positive effect he had on people. They called him an inspiration.
In the wake of their son’s passing, Bob and Eilene Okerblom have become champions against distracted driving, which they believe was the reason for the accident.
The couple have given their time and support to causes such as Oprah’s “No Phone Zone”, FocusDriven, and Save 11 which is working toward passing the STANDUP (Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection) Act.
Bob Okerblom plans to take a cross-
Rebecca Ross Klosinski reporting
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