Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE), the West Hollywood Bicycle Coalition (WeHoBYCO), and loved ones of Blake Ackerman, a 26-year-old cyclist fatally struck on July 10, 2025, on Fountain Avenue in West Hollywood, will host two events to commemorate his life and advocate for safer streets.
On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, a private gathering will take place at 9:00 a.m. at Fountain Avenue and Gardner Street to install a Ghost Bike Memorial, a white-painted bicycle marking the site where Ackerman was killed in a hit-and-run. The event, attended by Blake’s family, SAFE, and WeHoBYCO, will not include a press conference, though family members will be available for interviews.
On Friday, July 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., a broader community vigil will be held at the same location, bringing together Blake’s family, friends, community members, WeHoBYCO, SAFE staff, and local advocates. Following the vigil, participants will march to West Hollywood City Hall for a rally and press conference to demand enhanced road safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
Ghost Bike Memorials, placed at sites of fatal traffic incidents, serve as tributes to victims and reminders of the need for safer streets.
Event Details
- Wednesday, July 16, 2025
- Time: 9:00 a.m.
- Location: Fountain Avenue and Gardner Street, West Hollywood
- Participants: Blake Ackerman’s family, Streets Are For Everyone, West Hollywood Bicycle Coalition
- Note: No press conference; family available for interviews
- Friday, July 18, 2025
- Time: 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Fountain Avenue and Gardner Street, West Hollywood
- Participants: Blake’s family, friends, community members, WeHoBYCO, SAFE, and local advocates
- Note: Vigil followed by a march to West Hollywood City Hall for a rally and press conference
The West Hollywood community smash karts is coming together to remember Blake Ackerman, a 26- or 27-year-old cyclist tragically killed in a hit-and-run collision on Fountain Avenue on July 10, 2025.
First: I’m sincerely hurt by the tragedy of Ackerman’s unnecessary death! This was foreseen! This is preventable; We must march! I would not be surprised if Chelsea Beyer’s – always up for a photo-op – might show up to steal some of the spotlight: still claiming she does everything possible in her ol power to get the bike safety adaptations implemented: Or maybe they send Hang; with his “social advocacy” background; maybe he would come to the mic and share a heartfelt condolences in the name of Erickson; in-between their meetings with political sponsors/developers and organizing City of West Hollywood… Read more »
Word is the hit-and-run driver responsible for this man’s death has been caught. Witness statements and city resident involvement helped to catch this fellow. Organizers of these vigils should stress the need for justice for these reckless drivers.May Blake Ackerman RIP.
I think is wonderful the community is coming together to celebrate Blake Ackerman. How about the reporter of this and (4) stories relating to Ackerman finally decide on Ackerman’s age and stick to one? On these pages he’s been 26, 27 and 28. Let’s settle on one out of respect for the facts.