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Ride of Silence
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edfo-@comcast.net
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Feb 06, 2006 08:09 PST
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Hello everyone!
This year's Ride of Silence has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 17 at 7:00
PM. For anyone that is not familiar with this ride, the description per the
website http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php is:
THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT BE QUIET
On May 17 at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and
roll across the globe. 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.
In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas 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.
Last year we were able to generate enough support for the ride to be held in
Newark and Rehoboth. I believe both of the rides were well attended. With
those rides covering New Castle and Sussex Counties, I was hoping that we
could also generate enough interest in establishing one in the Dover area,
which would allow us to cover all three counties. There are a large number
of cyclists in the Dover area that might have interest in doing this ride
without having to drive to Rehoboth or Newark.
I'm not sure that we had put enough planning into the rides last year and
would like to see us grow our numbers in each of the counties. I have been
sent posters from another Ride of Silence organizer, which we could display
at organized rides, bike shops, and fitness centers. Last year Tony Pezone
handled the Sussex County ride and David Vispi handled the New Castle County
ride. I am not sure if both of these two fine cyclists are choosing to
handle these rides again, but would like to offer my assistance where
needed. I would also be glad to work together with both of you to take
responsibility to handle a Kent County ride if we can generate the support.
I welcome everyone's input on this matter.
Ride safe and May you have a wonderful day!
Ed Ford
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