Join A "Ride of Silence" to Bring Awareness
Silence Can Speak Volumes on May 20th.
Cyclists worldwide, throughout the U.S. and Florida will join in a silent, slow-paced procession on May 20th to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. This is a solemn event, not a race.
This is an important cause for avid Florida cyclists because our state ranks in the top five U.S. states for bicycle rider deaths and injuries. This ride helps bring visibility and awareness to maintain safe roads for vehicles and cyclists alike.
Here are current Ride of Silence events across Florida
If you know of a Ride of Silence in your area that is not listed, please post a comment below to let others know about it and share a link for more information.
Bradenton/Sarasota/Venice hosted by Sarasota/Manatee Cycling Club and Village Idiots Cycling Club
Clermont hosted by Sommer Sports
Ft. Myers hosted by Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club
Jacksonville hosted by North Florida Bicycle Club
Naples hosted by Naples Pathway Coalition and Naples Velo
Pensacola hosted by West Florida Wheelmen
St. Petersburg hosted by St. Petersburg Bicycle Club
Tallahassee hosted by Capital City Cyclists
The Villages hosted by Sumter Landing Bicycle Club
The Ride of Silence is a free ride. Cyclists are asked to wear helmets, follow the rules of the road and remain silent during the ride.
We hope you, your friends or your cycling club will participate in one of these rides in your area. While the ride usually takes place on the third Wednesday of May, some locations hold it on a different day. Check with your local bike shop or bike club to see when and where there might be a Ride of Silence near you.
If you want to consider organizing a Ride of Silence in your area, there is some good information on how to organize, promote and host a ride on the Ride of Silence website.
Florida Cycling Newsletter has subscribers in 43 states outside of Florida, so for those cyclists, here is a link for Ride of Silence locations across the U.S..
Finally, a quick reminder of the minimum stuff to ride with for safety
Helmet. Always wear a proper fitting helmet. It needs to cover your forehead. Helmets help protect us from serious, debilitating brain injury.
Gloves. Wear a pair of cycling gloves to protect your hands if you fall. They also make your hands more comfortable while riding.
Lights. In daytime or night always have blinking lights on the front and rear of your bike. It significantly increases visibility to motorists.
Ride often. Be safe.
Bruce