Bicycle riders in northwest cities will join those across the US tonight for a Ride for Silence, mourning those killed or injured in accidents with motor vehicles.
I've been hearing about this year's Bike Month and Bike to Work Day for weeks. A story in this morning's Detroit Free Press was the first I've read about the Ride for Silence.
Dan Scott of Everett, writing at the Ride for Silence website, describes the event best.
“This is a national event that asks cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. 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.”
The Ride for Silence website lists more than 50 rides across the US. The following are rides in the Northwest:
Seattle: Duane Wright has organized a 20-mile Ride for Silence that starts at 7 p.m. from Gas Works Park.
Wenatchee, Wash.: Jenny Pratt has prepared a 5-mile ride in honor of her sister, Jill Wood-Spangler. “She was killed while riding her bike before work one beautiful summer morning.”
Spokane, Wash.: Meeting at Clock Tower at Riverfront Park. Contact Liz Letson.
Everett, Wash.: Meets at Snohomish County Administration Building at the corner of Wall Street and Oakes at 5:45 p.m. for a 10-mile ride. Contact Dan Scott.
Salem, Ore.: A 15-mile ride through Salem; contact Salem Bicycle Club for details.
Corvallis, Ore: Meets at Osborne Aquatic Center at 7 p.m. for 15-mile ride; Jerry Rooney organizer.
Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas last May after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed.
The National Center for Statistics and Analysis reports 622 bicyclists were killed and 46,000 injured in 2003.
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