Last night I participated in the
Ride of Silence and event that is very dear to me. What is the Ride of Silence? It is a silent funeral procession on bikes and memorial to every cyclist that has lost their life in a traffic collision.
From the Ride of Silence Webpage:
THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT
BE QUIET
On May 15, 2013 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. (Read the full history
here...)
The Ride of Silence is a free
ride that asks its cyclists to
ride no faster than 12 mph, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road
and remain silent during the ride. There are
no sponsors and no registration fees. The
ride, which is held during
National
Bike 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 and honor the lives of those who have been killed or
injured.
The ride I participated in was held in Irvine, California. Starting off in New Zealand at 7 pm on May 15 and moving across the globe at 7 pm 26 countries had organized rides. The ride is silent, no talking the thought being that you remember those who have lost a life and you appreciate that you are still here able to enjoy yours. Riding in silence is not an easy task for me. Riding in silence does give you a sense of appreciation of what is around you. Irvine is not my cycling city. It is a great city to cycle in and has been recognized as such.
What makes a city a good cycling city. Good paved roads, bicycle paths and a police force that is willing to promote safe cycling both through motorist and cycling programs. In Irvine when a child is cited for not wearing a helmet or riding against traffic, the child is welcomed to participate in bicycle safety classes.
Cycling safety is both the responsibility of motorists and cyclists. For motorists the do's and do nots are obvious. Drive sober, do not be a distracted driver. For cyclists obey the rules of the road, (you would be shocked at how many cyclists run red lights or stop signs) and be alert. A simple pot hole can throw you into traffic.
My heart breaks every time I hear of a cyclist that has been killed or injured in a traffic collision. A dear friend of mine was left on the side of the road after being hit by a cyclist. Thankfully another group of cyclists found him and called 911. The car's license was tangled in his bike. When approached by police at their home washing their car, the driver said they thought they hit a rock. Yes, my friend is recovering but that is not the point.
Accidents happen. Driving a motor vehicle is a huge responsibility. Is talking on the phone, texting a friend, gulping down your Starbucks worth injuring or taking the life of another human? It seems we are always multi-tasking. Whether your are driving or riding a bike you should not be multi-tasking (yes I have also seen cyclists talking on the phone while riding). Slow down and focus on your task at hand. A little attention may prevent a collision that could change the life of another human.