You can show your support for bicyclists who have been killed or injured in traffic by joining tonight’s 10th Ride of Silence in your community.
There is no fee and there are no T-shirts. Memorial bike rides will begin in some 360 cities around the world beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday. (Many gatherings start early so participants can share their feelings before the ride.)
You can find a list of all the Ride of Silence starting locations in the United States here.
There are rides in 48 U.S. states. Only North Dakota and Hawaii do not have Ride of Silence rides tonight. Twenty-four countries will have rides.
Six events are planned in five cities in the state of Washington: Seattle at Gas Works Park, Renton at Coulon Park and at the old City Hall, Spokane at Riverfront Park, and Vancouver at River Maiden Coffee. Contact Scott Tidd for information about Wenatchee’s event.
The Ride of Silence is a commemoration that speaks to many people. It started only 10 years ago in Dallas as a memorial bike ride for Larry Schwartz, who was struck by the mirror of a passing bus and killed. Since then, the ride has grown every year.
The rides are generally short; less than 10 miles. Bicyclists are asked not to speak. They should wear helmets, ride slowly and follow the rules of the road.
The solemn act gives bicyclists the opportunity to memorialize those who have fallen in traffic in the past year. It also should also serve to remind motorists and city officials that bicyclists have a right to the road.
Bike to Work
By the way, this is Bike to Work Week in most communities and Friday is Bike to Work Day. You can search for Bike to Work Day events in your city at the League of American Bicyclists.
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