Hundreds gathered in Oxford's Broad Street tonight for a vibrant city vigil to remember a 'much-loved' PhD student who died this week.
Oxford University student Claudia Comberti was killed on Tuesday after being hit by a 4B bus at the junction with McDonald’s in Botley Road, Oxford.
Cyclists rode through the city centreat 7pm tonight to celebrate her memory. They were asked to wear bright clothes for the event by organisers as a tribute to the vibrant Ms Comberti.
Police yesterday said they believe 31-year-old Miss Comberti, who lived in East Oxford, had fallen from her bike just before the collision.
Miss Comberti had been involved in work with Broken Spoke bike co-operative in Pembroke Street, which runs bike workshops and promotes cycling in the city.
Staff have written a touching tribute to their friend, who was a 'regular face' in its workshop.
Extracts from the emotional post online read: "You’d know when Clauds had arrived by the blur of a bright neck scarf and stripes, and her adored red road bike. The place was reliably brightened every time with her smile and exuberance.
"She embodied that which we try to create and nourish — a love of the world and its people, the outdoors, a zest for life, of living what you believe.
"She relished Oxford in the summer, so she was full of excitement for the coming months. Now her bright future, there for the making, exists only in our imagination.
"Her loss is a great one, a deep one and one to which we want to respond with action and love."
Broken Spoke had encouraged cyclists who knew Miss Comberti, and those who did not, to gather in Broad Street to ride together in her honour.
It said: "This will be a vibrant and visible ride. Wear colours and neckerchiefs. Bring things that make sounds, like bells, horns, instruments."
Cyclists took part in a first vigil in Botley Road on Wednesday, cycling together in a 'ghost ride'.
Miss Comberti had also been involved with music festival Tandem.
A tweet from the group said: “To the beautiful Claudia, an original Tandemer.
“Her smile, hammock, neckerchiefs and elf hats will be forever in our hearts and memories.”
Miss Comberti was pronounced dead at the scene following the crash.
Yesterday Detective Sergeant Gavin Collier, of the serious collision investigation unit, said: “Having collated evidence from a number of courses, at this stage it is believed that the cyclist sadly fell from her bicycle just prior to the collision.
“Investigations remain ongoing to establish the cause of the incident, however we do not believe it was as a result of any interaction with another person or vehicle.
“Her family are being kept up to date with the investigation and are being supported by specialist officers.
“I’d like to thank those witnesses who have already come forward and would continue to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to police.”
Miss Comberti was a student at the school of geography and the environment at Oxford University.
She was studying for a PhD involving people in the Bolivian Amazon affected by climate change.
Fellow PhD candidate Felipe Roa-Clavijo tweeted: “Last week Claudia Comberti came to our event.
“I took a picture as she was presenting. Can’t believe she left us. Prayers with her family and friends.”
Simon Hunt, chairman of Oxford cycling group Cyclox, said he did not know Miss Comberti but sympathised with her friends and family as well as the bus driver.
He said: “It is a complete and utter tragedy. It is devastating for everyone who knew her.”
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