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On May 17th the US Ride of Silence will be joined by slow rides around the world 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.” Says the person responsible for starting this initiative and founder of the Rides od Silence, Chris Phelan.
In 2003, Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and killed. The ride is now staged on the third Wednesday of May every year. The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride.
Somewhat refreshingly Phelan also states that, “There is no brochure, no sponsors, no registration fees and no t-shirt,” and that the ride “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 those who have been killed or injured.”
There 120 rides planned in the US, with some smaller events planned for the UK and Scotland. To add more rides go here for info: www.rideofsilence.org
Aberdeen, Scotland
Contact: Andy Cruickshank
Distance: It should be around 6 miles in length on to Westburn Road.
Route: Westburn Park, Down Westburn Road. Hutcheon Street to Mounthooly Roundabout. Mounthooly Roundabout, take the third exit to West North Street, turn right on to King Street and on to Union Street. From there, continue on to Albyn Place, then third exit on to Fountainhall Road, right on to Beechgrove Terrace, Left onto Argyll Place, then left, back on to Westburn Road, to the park.
Yeovil, England
Contact: Nicholas Bourne
Distance: 10 miles
