The city of Alameda, California, is known for its flat topography, low traffic volume, a near city-wide 25 MPH speed limit, and bike-friendliness. Alameda is my home, and I feel quite safe riding around town with my 9-year-old son.

My sense of safety is shaken today.

The life of Brandon Sorensen, a well-liked student at Lincoln Middle School, came to a tragic end at the intersection of Santa Clara and Everett yesterday afternoon. Reporter Peter Hegarty’s full report can be read here.

I’ve gone through that intersection thousands of times on my bicycle in the past 20+ years. Riding through it will never be the same. My heart goes out to family and friends of the young man.

RIP, Brandon.