Ride of Silence focuses on safety
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The safety of bicycle riders will be the focus of an event scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 18.
“At 7 p.m., 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,” said Penny McHatten, one of the event organizers from Presque Isle.
McHatten said 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,” explained McHatten.
The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph 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 those who have been killed or injured,” said McHatten.
For more information call Mark at Mojo’s, 760-9500.
