Montgomery Bicycle Club to host blood drive in memory of fellow cyclist

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – The Montgomery Bicycle Club will host a memorial blood drive on Friday in memory of Peter Dudle. Dudle died after he was injured while riding his bike in Prattville in September. Dudle’s family believes this blood drive is a way to save lives and continue to honor his life and legacy.

His daughter Elizabeth Dudle says her father taught them how to adventure, whether it was skiing or simply racing grocery carts to the car. She remembers him as a loving and amazing father and a friend to everyone.

“He invented acceptance, like, he is just someone who loves every person that he meets,” Dudle said.

Peter Dudle was a member of the Montgomery Bike Club for 40 years. He left a lasting impact on his fellow cyclists.

“Even though he was the fastest person on this time trial loop, he was the kindest and most humble person,” said Robert Traphan, president of the Montgomery Bicycle Club.

Traphan said the club wanted to do something to honor Dudle. The group organized a blood drive in Dudle’s memory.

“Peter needed 23 pints of blood, and that was integral to saving his life in the hours after the crash,” said Traphan.

Dudle died 11 days after the accident. His family says the blood he received after the crashed allowed them to be able to say goodbye.

“One pint of blood times 23 in my dad’s case meant a ton of more memories we got to to have with him,” Elizabeth Dudle said.

The family will forever honor his memory. Elizabeth Dudle had planned to ride in the Glassner Challenge with her dad. On Oct. 14 she and her brothers rode to remember him. She says she wants everyone to remember his devotion to his family and his zest for life.

The blood drive will happen Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at both the Montgomery and Prattville locations of LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. You can make an appointment or just walk in.

Sign up for the WSFA Newsletter and get the latest local news and breaking alerts in your email!

Copyright 2023 WSFA. All rights reserved.