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Ride of Silence to remember cyclists killed, injured on roads

MIRA NASSER

Tuesday, May 15, 2007 - 12:00

Local News - The city is hosting its first Ride of Silence, a worldwide event held to remember bicyclists killed or injured by motorists and raise awareness of cyclists on public roadways.

The ride will begin at Niagara Square at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The 14.5-km event will be similar to a funeral procession. Cyclists will adhere to a maximum speed of 20 km/h and will ride in silence in remembrance of fallen cyclists.

The Ride of Silence was started in Dallas by Chris Phelan in 2003 to honour endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz after he was killed by a passing bus while he was riding. The initial one-time ride drew 1,000 cyclists and quickly became an international event held in more than 160 cities around the world.

Avid cyclist Thomas Nelson learned about the ride on a blog and decided to organize a ride in the city.

"I want anyone that uses the road to know that (bicycles) are vehicles," said Nelson. "They have a right to be on the road under the Highway Traffic Act."

Nelson said he would like motorists to be aware cyclists use the road not only for recreation but also for transportation.

"There are limited resources to make specific venues so we have to share the road," said Nelson.

The 45-minute, police-escorted ride will start at the mall on Montrose Road. Cyclists will head onto Kalar Road, turn right on Lundy's Lane, right onto Drummond Road and back to McLeod Road, ending at the mall.

Roads will not be closed off for the duration of the ride so cyclists are asked to wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road.

Bike and Trailway Committee member Lisa Wilson is one of the organizers of the ride. Considering the lack of designated bike lanes in the city, she routed the Ride of Silence along some of the least safe streets in the city for cyclists.

"These are the very arteries which badly need bike lanes, if they are to become attractive to commuters," said Martin Berzins, chairman of the Trails and Bikeway Committee.

The ride is free and all are welcome to participate. There are no registration fees, sponsors, T-shirts or prizes, only silence.

It is suggested participants wear black armbands in memory of cyclists who have been killed and red armbands for those injured while riding.

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