Bikers ride to fight suicide

Over 400 bikers from Northern Utah rode in the 6th Annual Ride to Fight Suicide Saturday, June 17, 2023.  The ride, which began at Golden Spike Harley Davidson in Riverdale, went up Weber Canyon and through the Morgan Valley on a loop around Peterson and Milton with a stop at Riverside Park before continuing down through Stoddard to Mountain Green.  The riders then went over Trappers Loop to the Ogden Valley and finished at Lorin Farr Park in Ogden.  The ride raises funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and this event garnered over $13,500 according to event organizer, Marianne Cook.

Cook founded the event six years ago after she lost her son-in-law, Michael Davis, to suicide.  “My son-in-law was really into Harley Davidson bikes.  I got into bikes because of him,” Cook shared. “About two weeks after his death, I went on a ride  to fight suicide with about 20 people. It gave me the bug.  I’d done suicide walks in the past, but I wanted to organize a ride in honor of Michael.  I contacted AFSP and found out that they had the ‘Ride to Fight Suicide’ events and I organized brought the first event to Utah six years ago.”

Each year the ride has grown as more and more people join the fight against suicide. In 2022, there were 240 bikers, and this year an increase of 160 bikers.  “When I first began the ride, we had approximately 200 riders.” Cook explained.  “I asked the Weber Sherriffs’ Department to escort the riders to keep them safe.  They have continued to support us.  We’ve invited other agencies, and this year we had at least 24 officers riding with us.”

Riders come for different reasons.  Some have lost a loved one to suicide, and others are looking for a cause to support.  One rider this year told Cook “I’ve really been struggling, and this ride is just what I needed.  Another biker shared in comments while stopped at Riverside Park,  “We just keep getting more and more support each year.  People hear about our ride and want to join.”

 A flyer advertising the event explained that “suicide prevention starts with everyday heroes like you. Money raised goes to critical research, education programs, advocacy, and support for those affected by suicide.” 

According to the latest statistics from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that are listed on the AFSP website, 48,183 people in the U.S. died by suicide in 2021, and there were 1.7 million suicide attempts.  As the 11th leading cause of death in the US, suicide touches every person.  Nationally, on average, there are 132 suicides per day and 3.9 times more men than women died by suicide in 2021.  Utah’s annual rate of suicide is higher than the average and ranks 14th in the nation for the highest suicide rate.  According to a report by KSLtv, 625-630 Utahns lost their lives by suicide in 2021.

Cook is thrilled to see the success of the ride and is pleased with the fundraising efforts to help fight suicide.  “I’m so pleased that it’s growing and helping raise funds to help fight suicide.  The biking community is so giving, and I appreciate the support they continue to show.  We look forward to hosting this event each June and welcome everyone to join us.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. λ