The family of a cyclist who died following a collision in north Belfast last month has said that they ‘appreciate’ the support they have received as the cycling community organised a vigil in his memory on Saturday.
Mr McMahon’s friends and family gathered alongside the cycling community on Saturday for a vigil organised by Belfast Cycling Campaign.
More: Friends of cyclist killed in road collision to host vigil in his memory
A group of cyclists travelled from Writer’s Square to Henry Place, where they met with others to lay candles and flowers in memorial to Mr McMahon.
Mr McMahon’s niece Yvonne Connolly, said that the vigil was a ‘lovely gesture’ which has brought the family ‘a bit of comfort’.
“For us as a family, it was very touching, very heartwarming for people to do that,” she said.
“Nothing’s going to bring him back and we are all very sad, but I guess it’s nice to see something coming from it.
“As a family, we really do appreciate everybody that participated.
“There were so many people that stayed behind and took the time to say nice things.”
Ms Connolly said that people shared stories about Gary with his siblings Angela, Danny and Liam as well as the wider family.
These included former colleagues from both Asda on the Shore Road where he worked and BBC NI.
“It’s lovely to hear how well he was thought of,” she said.
“It’s nice for us to know that his memory is living on.
“Gary was an absolute true gentleman.”
News of Mr McMahon’s death has sparked conversation around the need for better cycling infrastructure in Belfast.
In November, it was revealed that less than a quarter of money pledged to fund a network of bike-friendly routes in and around the city had been spent.
“As much as we are grieving for Gary, and it is a big loss to us all, it does highlight this issue for cyclists and there is something good that can come from this tragedy,” Ms Connolly said.
“We would not want another family to go through what we have went through.”
