Ride of Silence

Tomorrow, May 20th, bicyclists around the world will ride in unison to honor those who were injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.  This ride is known as the Ride of Silence.

From the Ride of Silence web site:

THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT BE QUIET

On May 20, 2015 at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn’t aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. (Read the full history here…)

The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road and remain silent during the ride. There are no sponsors and no registration fees. The ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for and honor the lives of those who have been killed or injured.

Events in Florida can be found on the Ride of Silence web site here or on the Florida Bicycle Association web site here.  If you cannot make a ride, or even if you can, I would like to offer the opportunity for everyone reading this to share the name(s) of those you are honoring.   Please make the name a comment to this blog post if reading from the web site, to the FBA Facebook post when this blog is linked, or send the name(s) back in email and I will make the post.

On a personal note, Lorry, I would love to attend your ride in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.  I’ll be thinking of you and Samantha during the ride in Clermont.