On May 15, the Ride of Silence (now in its 17th year) will begin in North America and continue to roll across the globe. Cyclists in various cities, including Cincinnati, will take to the roads in a slow, silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways.
The ride, which is held during National Bike Safety Month and Week, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police, and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to public roadways.
Although cyclists have a legal right to safely use roads, the motoring public often isn’t aware of this right, and sometimes not aware of cyclists themselves.
The Ride of Silence is a free ride that invites the community, friends, and families to participate in the 10-mile ride. Cyclists are asked to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. One hundred or more cyclists are expected to participate in the ride. Public roads such as US 52 will be used.
Riders will be in groups of 10 to 20 riders each.
Although one intent is to be visible to the public, the smaller groups can be passed safely by motorists, one group at a time, by changing lanes and waiting for a safe time to pass. This should be done with the same care as would be given any other slow-moving vehicle.
Unfortunately, there are far too many people who have lost a loved one or friend in a tragic auto/bicycle accident. Participants of all abilities are invited to join the Ride of Silence. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the crossroads of the Ohio River Trail and Wilmer Drive near Lunken Airport and will proceed to Sawyer Point by the P&G Stage for a brief ceremony.
The ceremony is dedicated to remembering those who lost their lives while riding their bicycles in 2018, the Ride of Silence poem will be recited, followed by a moment of silence. The group will then return to the starting point. Helmets are required. Due to the low sun angle upon return, and possible inclement weather, lights are recommended.
Cincinnati Cycle Club is organizing the local ride this year, and invites all cyclists to attend, with a special emphasis on the gravel, cycle-cross, and mountain bike groups that are feeling the recent loss of local cyclist Stephanie Vesper of Loveland who died in a biking accident Sunday, May 5, 2019.
