Ride Of Silence: The Ride To Commemorate Fallen Cyclists

Participation in a Ride of Silence helps raise awareness and increase legislation to reduce the number of fatalities of bicyclists killed by motorists. It’s a free event and will be gathering in a city near you to honor our fallen comrades.

The mission of the worldwide Ride of Silence is to honor bicyclists killed by motorists, promote sharing the road, and provide awareness of bicycling safety.

The first Ride of Silence on May 21, 2003, was inspired by the death of Dallas resident Larry Schwartz, an avid endurance cyclist who died from the impact with a school bus mirror while riding. Chris Phelan, a friend of Mr. Schwartz, started this memorial ride in White Rock Lake, Texas where 1,000 cyclists gathered to participate in the 10-mile, 12 mph silent ride in memory of cyclists and runners who had been killed in traffic collisions. Since that day, cyclists throughout the U.S. and across the globe have been organizing silent rides to commemorate lost loved ones along with the community.

The rules of such a ride are simple: Cyclists are to remain silent while following the rules of the road, wearing helmets and riding no faster than 12 mph. The ride is free, giving everyone the chance to show respect and honor for the lives of those who have been killed or injured while on public roadways. These events are held during National Bike Month, to raise awareness of bicycling safety and promote sharing of the road.

The Ride of Silence website offers many resources for those interested in organizing an event, along with a full and comprehensive list of rides near you. -KO

Rides Near You:

Bakersfield – May 18, 9000 Ming Ave. 6:30 pm

Chico – May 18, 5th St Plaza 7:00 pm

Fullerton – May 18, Museum Center Plaza on W. Wilshire

Huntington Beach – May 18, Union Ave.

Irvine – May 18, 1 Civic Center Plaza 6:00 pm

North Hollywood – May 18, North Hollywood Metro Station 6:30 pm. – Hosted by LACBC and Ciclavalley.

Orange – May 18, Orange City Hall, 300 E Chapman Ave.

Oxnard – May 18

Pasadena – May 18, Rose Bowl

Riverside – May 18, Downtown Riverside

Temecula – May 18, Temecula City Hall