Reminder: The ride of silence

[M_A_Martin]

I always get notice of this after the fact...so I thought I'd give everyone a heads up a little early instead. - Ginger


Date: May 18, 2005
Time: 7:00 pm
Where: In more than 50 cities across the U.S.A.

Join cyclists nationwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on America's public roadways.

http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php

From the site:

THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT BE QUIET
On May 18, the Ride of Silence will roll across the country, starting at 7:00 PM. In more than 50 cities in the U.S. and Canada, 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.

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 Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. There is no brochure, no sponsors, no registration fees and no t-shirt. The ride, which is being held during Bike Safety 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 those who have been killed or injured.

[Too Tall]

I think about that sweet man almost every day.
www.ahealinghand.com/images/general/larry2.jpg
www.ahealinghand.com/images/general/larry1.jpg

[Keith A]

MA -- Thanks for the info, it is certainly worth checking into. I may even try and make this happen in my area since there isn't one scheduled at this point.

[Ahneida Ride]

David Ryan's Death has still has not been brought to Justice. He was murdured last June by Mr, Joshua Paniccia, who while racing his car, lost control and struck David.

Still no trial date. The Justice system is a joke.

www.davidryan.com (http://www.davidryan.com)

[PanTerra]

I always get notice of this after the fact...so I thought I'd give everyone a heads up a little early instead. - Ginger



Thanks for posting this. I posted the notice from Chris, January '04 in the events section for last years ride. We had a huge turn-out at the Dallas ride around White Rock Lake. This is an event that I haven't missed since Chris started it. What was amazing was the response from the people that just happened to be out at the lake, just relaxing after work that day. Then of course there were the cyclists that missed the memo, tooling around the lake that had no idea what was going on.

[Keith A]

For those that have done this event, would you please describe the typical venue and how this whole thing works. I'm looking at trying to make this happen in my area and would appreciate any input. BTW, I have read their information on how to run one, but wanted to hear from someone else who has participated.

Thanks!

[PanTerra]

For those that have done this event, would you please describe the typical venue and how this whole thing works. I'm looking at trying to make this happen in my area and would appreciate any input. BTW, I have read their information on how to run one, but wanted to hear from someone else who has participated.

Thanks!

Hi Keith,

Bear w/my conciseness and spelling errors, did an endo 2 nites ago and am one-handed typing for a while.

We are fortunate in Dallas to have a perfect place to do this ride - White Rock Lake (WRL), a cycling oasis of sorts, a place already utilized by cyclists due to the relatively sparse car traffic when compared to the rest of Dallas. Almost a 10-mile, relatively flat loop. Also there are periodic traffic barriers and gates on one side of the lake, thus preventing drive thru's. Here is an aerial of the lake. You can see the road that parallels the shoreline.

http://panterragroup.home.mindspring.com/GDB/wrl_Aerial.jpg

We would start seeing brief spots on the local news broadcasts to warn people that this was coming up and what to expect. Being at WRL, it would not interfere with traffic on the streets outside of the park, and would not be akin to critical mass rides. Last year it was advised to ride to the park as the attendance expected to be greater than available parking would allow w/o causing congestion. t the start, A police escort leads the procession at 12 mph, otherwise the speed would creep up, slight hills in a couple of spots tend to speed up the group. Distance around the lake is just less than 10 miles, so it lasts less than an hour. No one speaks during the ride, even when people playing in the park ask us what we’re doing, we do not respond, just keep moving. You would see cyclists placing a hand on other cyclist’s back, as just a thoughtful gesture.
It can be a very moving ride. At the end of the ride, all the cyclists parked along the main parking lot driveway as a way to wait till all finished. I will get a picture posted of the finish in a while.

One thing that Chris said before we started was to look at the cyclists around us and just realize that someone next to you may not be able to ride this next year and unfortunately we will be riding for them. He didn’t say this to be morbid, but to really drive home the importance in cultivating these relationships in this activity, to really appreciate them, not taking them lightly, or for granted and making them all count, and looking out for each other.

[MartyE]

M_A,

thanks for the reminder. I will be at White Rock doing the
Dallas Ride of Silence.

Marty

[PanTerra]

Here is last year's RoS at WRL - Dallas

[Keith A]

PanTerra,

Thanks so much for the pictures and details. This helps me get an idea of what this should be like. Once more question for you...what is the significance of how everyone is lined up on both sides of the road in your last picture?

BTW, I hope you heal quickly from you endo.

[PanTerra]

PanTerra,

Thanks so much for the pictures and details. This helps me get an idea of what this should be like. Once more question for you...what is the significance of how everyone is lined up on both sides of the road in your last picture?

BTW, I hope you heal quickly from you endo.

Thanks, the arm and ribs are coming along fine. Last year was the first year we did this at the end of the ride. When i pulled in, the lines were already forming, we didn't really have any idea "why" we were doing that. But after we all pullrd in, Chris rode up and down both sides thanking us all for riding, it was actually quite moving, we will probably do the same thing this year.

[PanTerra]

bumped