What Do you Do with Unimaginable Grief?
The family of Sarah Debbink Langenkamp took their grief and put it to work in the form of the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Transportation Safety Act.
In partnership with Madison Bikes and Machinery Row, Alicia Bosscher and Dirk Debbink hosted an event on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 to raise awareness and invite action toward getting Sarah’s Bill passed.
Alicia and Dirk are the sister and father of Sarah Debbink Langenkamp who was killed while riding her bike. As Dirk said during the presentation, every movement comes with a story, and Sarah’s is tragic. After Alicia shared her story, Mr. Debbink elaborated on the process of getting the bill to where it is today, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson have both agreed to co-sponsor. Other legislators who have signed on include Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Representative Brian Steil (R-WI), Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA), and Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI).
In his remarks, Mr. Debbink emphasized three qualities for all advocates hoping to make a change: persistence, professionalism, and kindness. Finally, he reminded everyone in attendance to work with others, always, never alone. The significance of this bill, and the determination of the Debbink family, reflects those values and will play a large part in the success of Sarah’s Bill.
To learn more about Sarah’s story, the Act, and to register your support electronically, please go to the League of American Bicyclists Action Center.
Sarah Debbink Langenkamp is seated second from the right in the feature photo.