‘The best principal ever’: Community rallies support for seriously injured RPS principal with bike parade
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Nearly 500 cyclists gathered at Albert Hill Middle School and rode about a mile to Mary Munford Elementary School for a bike parade in honor of principal Greg Muzik, who was seriously injured in a crash earlier this week.
"We just love Mr. Muzik, he's the best principal ever," said one Mary Munford student.
Muzik has been the principal of Mary Munford for more than 30 years.
"He came around the classroom making jokes and always made us laugh," added 4th-grader Tucker Deitz.
On Tuesday, March 11, Muzik was rear-ended by a car while riding his bike down Patterson Avenue. The force of the impact sent him "somersaulting" into the air, an eyewitness told 8News.
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"[When I found out it was him,] it was one of those moments where your stomach drops and your legs feel kinda shaky," said parent and bike parade organizer Kristen Dutton.
Dutton said she helped organize the event alongside Richmond City Councilmember Andrew 'Gumby' Breton, whose children attend Mary Munford.
The parade featured participants of all ages, with many wearing red -- the school's signature color -- and others sporting suspenders, which are a signature part of their beloved principal's daily outfit.
Bike parade for Mary Munford Elementary's principal, Gregory Muzik. (Photo: 8News)
Bike parade for Mary Munford Elementary's principal, Gregory Muzik. (Photo: 8News)
Bike parade for Mary Munford Elementary's principal, Gregory Muzik. (Photo: 8News)
Bike parade for Mary Munford Elementary's principal, Gregory Muzik. (Photo: 8News)
Students said Muzik loves biking -- which was why parents had the idea to do the parade.
"He bikes on his electric bike every day," said 3rd-grader Margaret Way.
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Not only is Muzik an avid cyclist, but he is also an advocate for road safety, according to Dutton.
"If you Google 'Greg Muzik' and 'pedestrian safety,' you'll see articles from decades ago about his efforts to make roads safer and pedestrian-friendly," she said.
The parade was more than just support for Muzik -- participants also raised awareness about the dangerous conditions on Patterson Avenue. According to the Traffic Records Electronic Data System (TREDS), 37 accidents were reported in Richmond along Patterson Avenue in 2024.
"We're going to have to make decisions about dedicating less space for cars and more space for safety -- for safe places where people can travel around the city, on a bike, on their feet, with a stroller and get there safely, without being in jeopardy of auto traffic," Breton said.
Students said the news of their principal's accident has them pushing for change, too.
"Hearing that he got hit here makes me worried that it might happen to me, too," said 5th-grader Nelson Creasey.
The Richmond Police Department is still investigating the incident and is urging anyone with information to call 804-646-1369.
