It would be an understatement to say that Veronica McMillan — commonly known as “V” — was active. She loved to get outside and challenge herself with new activities, always with a smile on her face. She often said her favourite sport was snowboarding, something that she taught herself while she was in her 50s. But the self-claimed “gray on a tray” didn’t just stick to the slopes. She also cycled, ran, swam, snowshoed, xc-skied, kayaked, hiked and golfed. She also played softball, hockey, tennis and soccer at various points in her adult life, with varying degrees of success. For example, her post-game recaps often included play-by-plays of how she scored on her own net. V might not have been the best at everything she did, but she never gave up and always had fun!
V’s energy and spirit for life were truly unique and she was an inspiration to her family, her friends and her teammates. She quietly motivated others to follow her lead, encouraging them to be active and to enjoy the challenge of trying new things.
Why #beactivelikeV ?
This blog isn’t about V, but it is about living your life to the fullest, going on adventures, and staying active for physical and mental health. Shortly after V’s death, one of her daugthers coined the hastag #beactivelikemom, which has become a symbol of recognition that V still has an impact on all our adventures. She is often in our thoughts when we are out exploring, particularly on our bike trips or when we take a sip of fireball in an incredible place. Our hope is that this blog encourages others to get outside, see new places and enjoy the challenge of getting there, just as V would have done.
The Last Ride
On a beautiful summer morning in July 2018, V was out for a bike ride when she was struck from behind by a car. The driver was blinded by the sun and didn’t see her, despite her bright orange t-shirt. She sustained a major head injury in the accident, and died several days later.
There was nothing unusual about this day. V was close to home on one of her favourite routes. She was on a section of the road near Truro, Nova Scotia that was being considered for the “Blue Route”, which is supposed to be part of a “safe, well-connected bike network”. However, it also has no shoulder and 80 km/hr speed limits. Obviously, the “safety” of this road, and many others, is questionable.
After V’s accident, it was hard to get back on our bikes. But, living in Victoria, BC we are surrounded by protected bike lanes, well connected trails and a great cycling community. We ride to commute, to stay fit and to explore. Bike safety and awareness is incredibly important to us. We hope that through this blog and other activities, we can raise awareness and push for better infrastructure so that tragedies like V’s death become a thing of the past.
Be Active Like V 