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Ride of Silence Coming Up Wed May 19th

15 May 2010
Posted by Pete Carapetyan

 I'll be riding with hundreds of thousands of others worldwide on Wednesday, during the annual "Ride of Silence" 

What is the Ride of Silence?

The short version is it's just that - In hundreds of cities across the world, cyclists meet and ride in silence, to honor those who have been killed by cars.

This ride has taken on a life of it's own in only a few years since it's founding. The most moving and personal description that I have found is in this article in a local weekly, by the ride's founder Chris Phelan.

The official site is here, where you can find the nearest city to join in this ride.

Hope to see you there.

The Dallas Ride's Particulars

Posting this email from David Hartwig, who is the Dallas organizer this year. 

On May 19, 2010, at 7:00 PM, the Dallas Ride of Silence will take place.  Across the globe in more than 30 countries, 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 at www.rideofsilence.org/history.php) 

This 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. 

Schedule:

Arrive by 6:45pm, Wednesday May 19th for the Ride of Silence ceremony.  The ride will follow immediately after; approximately 7:00pm.

Location:

The ride will start on the west side of White Rock Lake at the Branchfield-Fisher (aka Boat Launching) parking lot.  Approximately 3800 W. Lawther Road. 

Parking:

Please do not park in the main parking lot where we will be staging.  Instead, use one of the many lots around White Rock Lake and ride to the start. 

Route:

Clockwise around White Rock Lake using the roadways and paved trail.  First north on W. Lawther, crossing over the lake on Mockingbird, then south on E. Lawther.  E. Lawther transitions into the trail at Winfrey point.  Continue on the trail past the Arboretum and spillway.  This year we will continue on the trail to the Paddle Boats/Teepee Hill area and merge onto W. Lawther, then north back to the start.  Be aware there is a post in the middle of the trail after crossing the wooden bridge at the Paddle Boats. 

Etiquette:

The Ride of Silence is a silent ride.  When possible, please use hand signals to alert other riders of turns/hazards. 

The Ride of Silence is a memorial procession.  Please ride no faster than 12mph; novice to expert, we all ride together.           

Please be alert and considerate of other trail users who may not be aware of the ride. 

When returning to the starting area, we line up with our bikes on both sides of the drive way, to safely welcome back the remaining riders. 

Volunteers:

We need a handful of volunteers to help place traffic cones and provide directions during the ride.  If you would like to help please email David Hartwig, dh@dhsports.com 

Donations:

This year the ride will incur significant expenses in order to take place at White Rock Lake.  Sheffie Kadane, our local bike stores, and other area businesses are making contributions to help us underwrite the event.  We will be ‘passing the hat’ before and after the ride if you would like to make a personal donation.  Any left-over proceeds will be applied toward the 2011 ride. 

The Story:

http://eastdallastimes.com/2010/04/29/honoring-a-friend-creating-a-movement/  

For More Information:

            Website – www.rideofsilence.org

            Resources – www.rideofsilence.org/resources.php

            2009 PSA - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLEcwJuCdf4 

            Media & Advocacy

Chris Phelan, Ride Founder

Chris.Phelan@rideofsilence.org 

Dallas Ride Details

David Hartwig, Dallas Host

dh@dhsports.com