Phillip Bishop was a committed environmentalist and lover of the outdoors. He kept a garden at home where he grew everything from squash to sunflowers, and had a passion for backpacking and hiking. After returning from a two week backpacking trip in Montana last summer, Phillip was inspired to take up cycling, seeing it both as a way to get outdoors as well as simplify his life and carbon footprint.
Whether it was his commute to work or a relaxing ride on scenic byways, cycling became an outlet for Phillip both physically and mentally. Though he had never raced, one of his desires was to participate in Bike to the Bay, as he came to see cycling as more than just a mode of exercise or transportation; Phillip saw that cycling could also be a mode of effecting positive change in the world.
Phillip realized quickly that as a cyclist, life was suddenly much more dangerous. Safety was a foremost concern when he was riding. Phillip chose the streets he rode on with care, would not ride when the roads were wet and slick, and was always well lit at night.
Unfortunately, even the measures that Phillip took were not enough. On the night of September 12, 2014, Phillip was killed by a motorist while he was riding home from work. He was riding in the southbound lane when the northbound driver crossed over the double yellow lines. Phillip was wearing his helmet, a headlamp, a flashlight, and blinkers. He was less than a mile from his home. The driver of the car fled the scene, leaving Phillip without even calling 9-1-1. Phillip’s death reminds us all that we have a long way to go before we are truly “sharing the road.” His huge smile and joyful personality will forever be missed.
Phillip’s family have suggested that a charitable donation to Bike Delaware – whose mission is to make cycling a safe transportation option in Delaware – can be made to honor Phillip in lieu of flowers. Acknowledgements of all gifts will be made to Phillip’s family.
