According to the Daily Herald, Rosaleen Waters was a lifelong resident of Elk Grove Village. Following her graduation from Elk Grove High School, Rosaleen attended DePaul University and worked with the Peace Corps in the African country of Burundi. She later married her husband, Tony Waters. Rosaleen was extremely close with her Irish Catholic family, including her many nieces and nephews.
In recent years, Rosaleen developed an interest in health and physical fitness, which lead to her love of physical activities such biking. Rosaleen and her husband Tony enjoyed riding their bikes together and often rode through the bike paths in Busse Woods. Rosaleen and Tony would have celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary just next month on June 12.
It
is difficult to put into words how tragic it is when bicyclists in the
prime of their lives, such as Rosaleen, pass away unnecessarily while
doing what they love. On the day of the Ride of Silence this tragic and unnecessary death further demonstrates the need for motorists and municipalities to regognize that bicyclists are most often totally vulnerable.
It is imperative that motorists learn from these devastating collisions and take whatever steps are necessary to keep a proper lookout and safely share the road with bicyclists. Existing plans for a bridge over Higgins or a more secure connection into Busse Woods near this dangerous intersection could have prevented this fatal collision.
It is imperative that motorists learn from these devastating collisions and take whatever steps are necessary to keep a proper lookout and safely share the road with bicyclists. Existing plans for a bridge over Higgins or a more secure connection into Busse Woods near this dangerous intersection could have prevented this fatal collision.
Rosaleen's
husband Tony expressed very valid concern and frustration for the level
of attention motorists give to bicyclists, stressing the importance of
motorists checking crosswalks,
driving at an appropriate speed, and avoiding distractions such as
cellphones. We could not agree more with Mr. Waters' concerns,
frustrations, and suggestions, and certainly hope that the number of
recent fatal bicycle crashes serve as a necessary wake up call to
motorists.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rosaleen's family at this tragic time. The loss of someone like Rosaleen is a loss to all of us.
