What began in 2003 in Dallas as a spontaneous outpouring of grief for a friend and fellow rider, struck and killed by the mirror of a passing vehicle, has rolled across the globe to become an international annual event memorializing and honoring cyclists who have been injured and killed while riding.
The Ride of Silence is a worldwide event, with almost all USA States participating, along with 22 other countries.
Previous Ride of Silence, Fort Myers |
The many hundreds of events share the same goals: "To honor fallen cyclists, to promote road safety, and to make a difference."
Bike safety is not a fleeting issue, especially here in Florida which ranks as the very worst in the nation for cyclist safety, with the highest fatality rate for ten years in a row.
In 2017, 4 cyclists were killed in Lee County crashes, in 2016, 9 cyclists were killed, and 1 cyclist has been killed in 2018 to date.
The Ride of Silence, in memorializing riders injured and killed, seeks to draw motorist's attention to cyclist's legal rights to full use of the roadways, to inform motorists that we are here, to watch for us--as if our lives depended on it. Please come out to show your support and send the message that we deserve our right to operate on our own roads. We are not just bike riders, but friends and neighbors and we must all Share the Road.
Locally there are TWO Rides of Silence planned--downtown Fort Myers and Sanibel.
Fort Myers Ride of Silence: Sponsored by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club
Arrive by 6:45, ride begins promptly at 7:00 PM
Centennial Park 2000 W First St, Fort Myers (Under the Bridge at Heitman and Bay Streets)
Riders are requested to wear black arm bands or red if they have personally been injured in a cycling versus motor vehicle accident.
· Everyone welcome, free of charge. No registration necessary.
· Helmets are required, no headphones please.
· For further details email: ros@caloosariders.org or check CRCBC website.
Sanibel Ride of Silence: Sponsored by the Sanibel Bicycle Club in partnership with Matzaluna Restaurant and Billy's Bikes.
Gathering for Sanibel ride at Matzaluna's |
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