Pima County Sheriff Motor Unit Deputies
provide escort for the 2007 “Ride of Silence,” held on
May 16, 2007. This year’s ride will take place on Wednesday
evening at 6 p.m
Fifth-annual event hopes
to raise awareness for bicycle safety
Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “Silence is a source of
great strength.”
Green Valley’s tightly knit cycling community has taken that
message to heart. The “Ride of Silence” is this region’s
way of mourning those members they have lost and building
solidarity among those members remaining.
Five years ago, the first “Ride of Silence” was organized in
Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the
mirror of a passing bus and killed. Chris Phelan, a friend
of Mr. Schwartz and the person responsible for starting this
initiative, thought the ride was a one-time event.
However, as word got out, other cyclists began to contact him
with a desire to do the same thing in their own communities.
This year, on Wednesday, the Ride of Silence will begin in North
America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to
the roads at about 300 locations in a silent procession to honor
cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public
roadways.
The first observance the Ride of Silence in the Santa Cruz
Valley area was held two years ago. Thirty local cyclists
participated. “This year, we anticipate close to 100
participants,” said event coordinator Chuck Hill. The
goals of the ride are to honor cyclists who have been killed or
injured, raise awareness to the existence of bicyclists and to
ask that cyclists and motorists share the road.
Bikers of all skills and interests in the local area are invited
to participate in this observance. Those planning to be a
part of this event are asked to meet and be ready to leave from
the south end of the GVR East Center at 6 p.m. People are
encouraged to come at 5:30 p.m. and enjoy some light
refreshments.
The group will follow the guidelines of the “Ride of Silence,”
which include riding single file in silence (no talking) and
riding at a slow pace. Helmets are required for all riders.
The route will be a seven-mile loop along Esperanza Blvd., La
Canada Dr., Duval Mine Rd. and Abrego Dr. The ride will be led
by local bicyclists Jim Jordan and Bill Adamson.
Motorcycle escort will be provided by officers from the Pima
County Sheriff’s Department Motor Unit.
Additional information about the ride of silence may be found at
www.rideofsilence.org.
