Memorial bike ride held for fallen rider

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Motorcyclists in Pinellas County banded together on Friday night for a memorial ride to honor a fallen rider.
Kassidy Titara, 25, was killed on Thursday evening while riding her motorcycle on 28th Street in St Petersburg.

Around 6:15 p.m., a 52-year-old driver made a left turn onto 6th Avenue South, crossing suddenly into Titara’s path.

Her Suzuki motorcycle struck the passenger’s side of the other driver’s Ford Focus. Titara was thrown from the motorcycle onto the roadway. She died from her injuries.

The other driver, who was not hurt, told police she never saw Titara.

"Most of the drivers nowadays aren't looking. They're not looking out for us,” said Max Bloss, Titara’s best friend, and a fellow motorcyclist. “They're not watching out. I get it, some of us ride like idiots. Some of us don't, but for the people that ride safe, and we're just trying to avoid accidents, usually the driver's excuse is that they don't see us,” added Bloss.

Titara’s friends and family shared hugs and memories of the young woman on Friday night. They said after getting her first motorcycle four years ago, she was instantly in love with riding.

"My sister loved her motorcycle more than anything in the world,” said William Titara, her younger brother.

The loss of Titara brought dozens of riders from local bike clubs out for a tribute ride on Friday night. The group met at a WaWa gas station on Gandy Boulevard in Pinellas Park and road as one to the scene of her fatal crash in St Petersburg.

They left flowers and crosses along the side of 28th Street. The bikers said they hope the memorial ride brings attention to the dangers they face due to distracted drivers. They said they are urging drivers to focus on the road before another family is left grieving.

"In all those [motorcycle accident] cases, if you look twice, you can always save a life,” said Bloss.

“It's just that simple.  All you have to do is pay attention. Beware of what's on the road,” added Titara.

The other driver involved in the crash was not arrested. St Pete Police have not said what charges she could face.