A bike ride to honor bicyclists killed or injured by motor vehicles gets underway at 278 locations beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday in 22 countries around the world.
The Ride of Silence was founded in 2003 by Chris Phelan to memorialize the death of bicyclist Larry Schwartz in Dallas who was struck and killed by the exterior mirror of a passing bus.
Since then the silent ride has grown to every continent, including Antarctica where it will be conducted on two stationary bicycles in the gym of US research base Palmer Station.
The memorial bike ride has continued this phenomenal growth without marquee sponsors; it’s a grassroots effort that is so successful because so many bicyclists support its ideals.
Essentially, it’s aimed at three things:
— To honor those who have been injured of killed;
— To raise awareness that bicyclists are here;
— To ask that everyone share the road.
If you’re interested in riding on Wednesday, here’s the list of Rides of Silence in the US and an international list of Rides of Silence. [Washington bicyclists can check the list for ride details in Bremerton, Everett, Seattle, Spokane, Spokane Valley, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Wenatchee. Pacific Northwest and West Coast cyclists can check for rides in Oregon (5 rides), California (16) and Idaho (1).]
Typically, there’s a gathering place where speeches, memorials or condolences given. The ride shoves off at 7 p.m. regardless of time zone. Cyclists will be silent during the ride and will keep their speed under 12 mph. The distance is general 5 to 10 miles.
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