GoFundMe Started For Widow Of Man Killed While Riding His Bike

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — The community has rallied around a widow who is mourning the death of her husband who died last week while riding his bike to work.

A GoFundMe has already exceeded its $10,000 goal for the family of Marten Bijvank, 29, who died July 17 after being struck while riding a bike in Sandy Springs.

The GoFundMe page says Bijvank was known for his cheery "hello" whenever someone walked in the door at the Starbucks where he worked and where he was riding to when he was hit.

Bijvank was also known for his Dutch pride, the page says.

"He recently earned his second college degree while working at Starbucks and won the Barista Championship for our district area," the GoFundMe says. "We will miss Marten's goofy smile, impeccable flat whites, and kind heart. He will forever remain a part of the Sandy Springs and Starbucks community. Please consider donating in memory of Marten and in support of his wife, Valentina. Another devoted Starbucks barista, Valentina is mourning the loss of her beloved husband and friend. We hope this fundraiser will help with memorial costs and some time away from making coffee."

As of July 20, fundraiser organizer Chloe Bowman said the GoFundMe raised more than $10,000.

"Wow. Thank you. In 48 hours y'all have already exceeded the $7,000 goal, and we are so thankful," Bowman wrote. "Marten's impact went much further than we ever knew, and it's a beautiful thing to see communities come together to remember him. We would love your continued support, so we are raising the goal by $3,000, in the hopes that Valentina will be covered with a full $10,000. In Marten's own words: 'thanks a latte!'"

Antoniette Battle, 34, has been identified as the driver who hit him. Police say she was arrested when officers arrived around 5 a.m. Battle is facing vehicular homicide and DUI charges, and a possible charge of driving without a license.

Bijvank was riding his bicycle southbound near the 7500 block of Roswell Road early Wednesday morning when he was struck by a vehicle that was passing by, Worsham said.