El Paso bike trail named after late county judge Pat O’Rourke

A bike trail in west El Paso was recently named after Pat O’Rourke, a former county judge.

O’Rourke is the late father of Beto O’Rourke, a U.S. Congressman representing El Paso.

“It’s named after someone who’s given a lot to the community and who not only does so much alive, but he passed on a wonderful legacy to his son,” said Rebecca Sanchez, who was walking along the trail. “(He’s) given back even more after he’s passed on to the other side, so it’s a wonderful gift to the city.”

The late O’Rourke was riding his bike along Interstate 10 when he was struck and killed by a car in July of 2001. He was 58 years old.

More than fifteen years later, his legacy is now remembered on the west side of town.

“It was well deserved,” said Jesse Corral, a bicyclist.

“It’s a great honor for our family to have our dad remembered in this way,” said Congressman O’Rourke in a statement. “My sisters, my mom and I are grateful.”

The bike trail, located near Interstate 10 and Resler Drive, is frequented by bicyclists, joggers and walkers.

“Oh we love it here,” said Marcela Trejo. “We really appreciate the government doing all this.”

There is also a recreational center named after Pat O’Rourke near downtown El Paso.

“I think that El Paso’s a great city and I think that we definitely have the potential to grow,” Sanchez said. “Thanks to people like Mr. O’Rourke and his son, we will always have that.”