ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Through the thousands of spokes and countless tubes, the Esperanza Community Bike Shop in Albuquerque has connected thousands of people to a new hobby, way of life, or passion. 

They can thank Chuck Malagodi for that. 

“He spread the gospel of cycling quite well throughout our city,” said Dave Simon, the director of parks and recreation for the City of Albuquerque.

Over 10 years after Malagodi founded the shop, they have given away almost 5,000 free bicycles. It’s one of many legacies of Malagodi, who worked for the city’s Outdoor Recreation Education Program for nearly 25 years. 

“He really was passionate about bringing cycling to kids and to promoting bicycling safety throughout our city,” Simon said.

On Sunday, Malagodi took what ultimately was his last ride. According to Albuquerque police, a person hit Malagodi with their white Ram 1500 near Kathryn Avenue and Carlisle Boulevard.

The driver took off. Malagodi did not survive. 

Simon said Malagodi devoted his professional life to increasing access and opportunities for children in cycling and outdoor recreation. That meant a lot of his focus went to safety.

City leaders have been trying to make our streets safer. They launched Vision Zero in 2021 with the goal of eliminating bicycle and pedestrian deaths. 

“We have a long way to go,” Simon said. “Our city was built really to benefit the automobile and the driver, and we have a long way to go to make the city safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and everybody.”

Police located the truck they believe was involved in the accident the next morning. But they’re still looking for whoever was driving it. They’re asking for anyone with tips to contact Crime Stoppers at (505)-843-STOP.

Memorial services for Malagodi will be held this weekend, including a bike ride.