What started out in 2003 as a one-time ride by a group of friends who wanted to remember and pay respect to their friend Larry Schwartz; who was killed 10 days earlier by a school bus mirror as he was riding is now shared by riders all over the world. This year, there are 315 rides in 24 countries.
The Ride of Silence is a free ride, with no sponsors or registration fees. As the name suggests, it is asked that you ride in silence; and no faster than 12 mph. The mission of the world wide Ride of Silence is to honor bicyclists killed by motorists, promote sharing the road, and provide awareness of bicycling safety.
If there is a ride in your area, Go join them. If not, consider starting one for next year. There are resources on the website to help you organize a ride in your area.
Tonight we number many but ride as one
In honor of those not with us, friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, sonsWith helmets on tight and heads down low,
We ride in silence, cautious and slow
The wheels start spinning in the lead pack
But tonight we ride and no one attacksThe dark sunglasses cover our tears
Remembering those we held so dear
Tonight's ride is to make others aware
The road is there for all to share
To those not with us or by our side,
May God be your partner on your final ride
- Mike Murgas
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