 |
|
MORE THAN 80 Green
Valley cyclists, led by Bill Adamson (yellow jersey), rode through
town in the second ‘Ride of Silence,’ an event established to honor
those cyclists who have been killed or injured on the road. |
Wednesday’s “Ride of Silence” brought together over 80 Green Valley
area cyclists for a very emotional and cathartic event.
After debuting in Green Valley last year to honor the passing of
local cycling enthusiast Fred Hetting, the “Ride of Silence” is an
international event established to honor those cyclists who have
been killed or injured by motorists and to raise awareness for
bicycle safety.
“This is an event that means a lot to a lot of people,” said cyclist
Bill Katzel. “It’s fantastic to see such a great turnout.”
The ride began at 6 p.m. outside of the Green Valley Recreation East
Center.
A half-dozen members of the Pima County Sheriff’s Motor Unit
escorted the riders along their route, which took the riders in a
loop around Green Valley.
“This was the first ‘Ride of Silence’ I’ve taken part in, and it was
something I’ll never forget,” said Fran Licciardiello, founder of
“The Ride,” a Green Valley cycling group that explores the nooks and
crannies of the area.
The “Ride of Silence” began in May 2003 in Dallas when Chris Phelan
organized this ride in memory of his friend Larry Schwartz.
Since that first ride, the event has grown to include nearly 400
communities in six different countries.
“The goals of this ride are to honor cyclists who have been killed
or injured, raise awareness to the existence of other cyclists and
to ask that we all share the road,” said event organizer Chuck Hill.
Bill Adamson led the seven-mile ride, which required that all of the
riders wear helmets, with the option of wearing black arm bands.
Riders pedaled no faster than 12 miles per hour and rode in single
file.
“It’s quite a sight when you see all these cyclists silently
pedaling down the side of the road,” Katzel said.
The Santa Cruz Bicycle Advocate Committee and Green Valley Bike and
Hike sponsored the event.
nprevenas@gvnews.com | 547-9747 |
