**CANCELED - SEE COMMENTS ABOUT THE RIDE IN WILSON**
The following email copy in blue was forwarded to me but originated from a member of the Cyclist of Wilson who are thinking of doing this type of ride. How many people would be interested in trying to do something like this next Wednesday evening (May 21 at 7PM) in Rocky Mount? I have a plan that I think would be relatively safe and could get a pretty good group together for a family type ride. Please see the info in blue for the history.Ride of Silence - Everyone with a bike less than 12mph! The Ride of Silence will Not be Quiet
On Wednesday, May 21st, the Ride of Silence will roll across the country, starting at 7:00 PM. In more than 50 cities in the U.S. and Canada, 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.
Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas (May 2004) after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed.
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 is no brochure, no sponsors, no registration fees and no t-shirt. The ride, which is being held during Bike Safety 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.
I do not think we have time to have an organized ride involving police traffic control etc (at least I know I do not have time). This would be an informal gathering to ride. Anyone who participates does so on their own. It will be your own responsibility to abide by all traffic laws and not to block full lanes of traffic. I do hope that you would wear a helmet and high visibility clothing. Please pass this information around and lets see who can participate. I should be able to make it, but as this is my busy time with work, I can not commit at this point. If I can make it, I would be able to provide a small amount of bike service if needed - air up tires, repair flats on the ride sort of thing.
My thought is that we meet at Sunset park at 6:45. Then start to ride at 7:00. We would ride from Sunset Park, down Sunset to Church Street, turn left and ride to West Thomas Street and then back to Sunset Park. This would be about 3 miles all on one-way streets which means we are not blocking any traffic. Potential Route
If there is not enough interest in Rocky Mount, maybe those who wish to participate can organize to travel to Wilson to ride with their group that evening. I am sure that we can get in touch with them to find out their plan. -Eric
Sounds like a great idea Eric. Thanks for getting this organized. Thanks also to Kinnie for sharing the email. If we are not doing tee ball, I think our entire family will be out.
ReplyDeleteI think you picked a great route Eric. It is true, there will be traffic on the roads, but that is kind of the point about this ride. . . be seen. Sure, we could do this in Candlewood or another neighborhood, but these roads will have more of an impact.
I would love to see this take off. Lets go RMEC! Bring your bikes, and bring your kids!
One more thought. This works well for kids, because we can turn a block or too early if we are lagging too far behind, and then catch back up.
ReplyDeleteI plan to drag Noah around in his bike trailer.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great idea. If I'm back from Maryland by then I will bring my 1970's-era bike and join up.
ReplyDeleteAnybody know anybody at the newspaper that might cover this story. Or atleast give a heads-up to motorists?
ReplyDeleteAnybody know anybody at the newspaper that might cover this story. Or atleast give a heads-up to motorists?
ReplyDeleteRide is canceled due to lack of interest.
ReplyDeleteFor those still wanting to participate, The Wilson ride is at 7:00pm starting from the Starbucks near the corner of Ward Blvd and Nash Street (Hwy 58). They will ride down Nash to the Courthouse and back. There will be newspaper coverage. Kinnie plans on going (taking the cruise bike).
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