The Torch

Issue date: 5/22/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Jeremy Blanchard Local cyclist preparing to ride together in silence to honor the memory of the people who have lost their lives on a bicycle.

Local cyclists gathered Wednesday, May 21, to ride together in memory of those who have lost their lives while riding bicycles.
The 2008 Ride of Silence brought together Eugene area cyclists, who met at the University of Oregon's Erb Memorial Union Amphitheater at 6:30 p.m. At the free event, participants were asked to ride in silence and to travel no faster then 12 miles per hour.
The goals of the annual event are to raise awareness of bikes, to remind automobiles to share the road and in memory of those who have died while riding.
"As part of the cycling community, you definitely know people who have been hit," Mike Brunette, cyclist, said.
It is the belief of the League of American Bicyclists that "cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as operators of vehicles," James Kennedy, UO bicycle coordinator, said.
"The way that I think this event brings light to bike safety, is through encouraging awareness of car and bike relationships," Kennedy said. "Also, to help us to think forward in safety development, both as individuals and as a community."
The Ride of Silence takes place annually during Bike Safety month and is part of the on-going war between cyclist and the dangers of the road. In Eugene last year, over 200 riders participated and thousands participate worldwide, in honor of those who are no longer able to ride.
"It's easier to get drivers' attention in large numbers like this," Noah Rosenau, cycling enthusiast, said. Rosenau attended the event because he wanted "to raise awareness of drivers."
The first Ride of Silence was organized in 2003 in Dallas, Texas following the death of Endurance Cyclist Larry Schwartz.
More information about the Ride of Silence is available at www.rideofsilence.org.

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