Some of the best childhood memories are simple ones: riding bikes with friends, decorating handlebars and spending a morning outside with the neighbors. On Sunday, October 18, Fort Collins celebrated those moments at the third annual Ollie's Bike Parade, a family event with a purpose much bigger than bicycles.
The parade honors Oliver "Ollie" Stratton, a 10-year-old Timnath boy who lost his life in a bicycle crash close to home in August 2023. Ollie's mom, Clarissa Stratton, started the parade in 2024 as a way to keep his memory rolling. Three years later, it has become a Northern Colorado tradition built around family, community and safer streets.
A Parade With Heart
This year's theme was "The Movies," and kids showed up dressed as their favorite characters with bikes decorated to match. Families gathered near Incycle at 202 W. Laurel Street for bike decorating starting at 9 a.m., with free decorating kits for early arrivals, and the parade rolled out at 10 a.m.
Kicking Off Open Streets
The parade also opened FC Moves Open Streets, which closed Laurel Street between Mason and Shields to cars from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. With the street open to people instead of traffic, families biked, walked, played and caught up with neighbors, with live music, food trucks and activities from local businesses along the route.
More Than a Bike Ride
Behind the costumes and colorful bikes is a simple message: every child deserves to feel safe riding through their own neighborhood.
The Stratton family has turned an unimaginable loss into a mission of remembrance, education and advocacy. Ollie's Bike Parade works to prevent traffic violence and support families affected by bicycle and vehicle crashes. Its work includes:
- Family Care Boxes for families who suddenly lose a loved one in a bicycle or vehicle crash.
- The Oliver Stratton Youth Advocate Award, which recognizes young people working for change.
- Legislative advocacy focused on distracted driving.
Earlier this year the organization received the Wendy Preston Victim Advocate Award from the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance.
Celebrating What Makes Northern Colorado Special
Strong communities aren't built only through big projects. They're built when neighbors look out for one another and families show up for each other's kids. Ollie's Bike Parade is a good example of that.
Ollie's legacy carries on with every family that joins the conversation about safer streets and every child who gets to enjoy the freedom of riding a bike.
How to Get Involved
Ollie's Bike Parade relies on volunteers, sponsors and donors. To learn more, volunteer or support their work:
Website: olliesbikeparade.org | Email: olliesbikeparade@gmail.com | Instagram | Donate
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