North Texas biking community mourns beloved cyclist they say was struck by driver

There is a memorial at the intersection of Custer and Renner in Richardson honoring a cyclist killed in a crash — and serving as a stark reminder of the risks riders face on North Texas roads.

“It is difficult for me to accept that he’s gone,” said friend George Markus of the Outliers bike group.

Friends and fellow cyclists say Phil Balli was doing his weekly Pop Ride on March 24 when he was struck by a driver. Balli was an active member of several local cycling clubs and a familiar face in the community.

“Do I think about it? All the time. It has plagued my thoughts, day and night,” said Markus, who was riding behind Balli.

According to riders who were there, the group was riding together when a driver sped through the lane, hitting Balli and another cyclist. They were just 50 yards from the end of their ride and the parking lot. George Markus, a physician and the organizer of the ride, immediately rushed to help.

“It was important for me to be there. For my group. [For Phil] Yeah.”

A white “ghost bike” now marks the location — a tribute often used in the cycling community to honor riders killed on the road.

“In cycling, there is safety in numbers. But…not that time,” said Brenn Miller, who does not drive alone anymore.

For experienced riders like Miller, who has biked the route hundreds of times, the loss is both personal and unsettling.

“If there is a pack, [drivers] should change lanes. If there is one rider, they should change lanes,” Miller said.

Richardson police have not yet released details about the crash, including the identity of the driver or whether any charges will be filed. WFAA reached out for comment in the early afternoon on Friday.

Those who knew Balli describe him as someone who was always smiling and deeply connected to the cycling community. Chris Markus tells WFAA that Balli was the kind of rider who checked on all the other riders.

“I cannot tell you how much we rely on each other. And we’ve all known each other for many, many years,” Chris said.

For many, these rides represent more than fitness — they are a tight-knit support system.

“We have families. We have people to come home to,” said Miller.

Balli’s death has left a void, especially for his wife, family, and close friends. Still, riders say they will keep going — riding the same roads, together.

“We’ll see his face on these rides….forever,” said Markus.

The following statement was sent to WFAA from the Richardson Bicycle Coalition:

“Our hearts are with Phil Balli’s wife, family, and friends. This is a devastating and preventable loss. Phil was doing exactly what thousands of North Texans do every day—riding his bike—and he should be here today.

This tragedy is a stark reminder that cyclists and pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of our streets. In Richardson and across North Texas, cyclists and pedestrians are forced to navigate roads designed for fast-moving traffic, often without adequate protection.

While the City of Richardson has taken some positive steps, incremental change is not enough. The area near Renner and Custer—where high speeds, heavy traffic, and vulnerable road users intersect—demands urgent, meaningful safety improvements.

We owe it to Phil, and to everyone who uses our streets, to act with urgency and purpose so that no one else has to suffer a loss like this.”