Highway 251 Film with Brooke Darby

In July 2024, cyclists Jacob Hill and Lennie Antonelli were struck and killed by a dump truck while riding on Highway 251 outside Asheville, North Carolina. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the cycling community and the broader Asheville area, raising urgent questions about rider safety and infrastructure.

Brooke Darby, an Asheville native and member of the Mach1 Devo U23 development team, was away at college in Durango when the tragedy occurred. She made the last-minute decision to rush home for the Asheville Gran Fondo to be in her community and do what she loves. From that experience, Brooke produced this short film examining bike safety in her hometown.

Now 21 and based in Durango, Brooke came to cycling after a running injury forced her to reimagine her athletic identity. In just eight months, she transformed from hesitant beginner to dedicated racer, logging 350 hours on the bike while balancing her nutrition studies through Arizona State University's remote program.

Brooke reached out asking us to share this important film. We're grateful she did.