Ride of Silence

Thank you

2011-06-06T09:25:00.004-05:00

(Photo: Tim Green walks a Ghost Bike after the Dallas Ride Of Silence line of 1500 cyclists, May 18.)

The Ride of Silence board would like to thank you for organizing an event this year. We hope you had favorable weather and a good turnout of bicyclists who, along with many bystanders and motorists, were positively impacted by the event.Since the event took place, we've received the following statistics:

Total 2011 Riders To Date: 8,153Number of Locations Reporting in: 90 (out of 322 known locations, or only 28%)

(These numbers were copied from our online report viewing tool which allows anyone to learn about our events).

In case you haven't submitted your event report yet, please take a few minutes to fill out a few fields of this easy to use form to let us know how your event went.

There are detailed instructions on the form which should answer your questions. Note, there are 2 pages to this form. Photos can be uploaded from your computer on the 2nd page. The first page will allow you to submit LINKS to photos, videos, news articles, etc. that are hosted online (must have a "http://...." address to work). Email the RoS webmaster if you have any questions or run into problems.If you know of other events that happened in or near your area, please encourage the organizer to submit the event information using our "Add a Location" form so we know about it. This is important has it helps the ride spread and grow. It also helps gain the attention of the general public and media so that we can make changes for cyclists.

Thank you again. Have a great summer!

Ride of Silence Board

Next ride: May 16, 2012

Memorial Blog

2011-05-18T13:45:00.003-05:00

From RofS organizer Elizabeth:

Dear fellow cyclists,As the Ride of Silence approaches — Wednesday night, May 18, 2011 for most communities — let’s take a moment now to reflect why we ride in silence and for whom. As someone commented on the Ride of Silence’s Facebook page – “the great thing about the Ride of SILENCE, it’s the same spoken in any language.” Silence is truly a universal and powerful language.
Below in the comments, please list the name of a bicyclist (could be yourself as a crash survivor) that you honor and wish to always be remembered.
Then please take a moment to also add this honoree info here (which will be collected by official ROS organizers for possible inclusion on the memorial page, which hopes to soon include injured cyclists). To see a list of all cyclists who have already been memorialized on the ROS site, visit the “In Memoriam” page.
Now – fellow bike bloggers… help us make another “silent” statement before the night of the ROS silent procession. Please re-post this exact post on your own blog asking the same of your readership (to comment with the names of bicyclists they honor and remember and to repost).
This is our “honor roll” for all bicyclists that the Ride of Silence (the global bike community) will never forget! We honor in this “silent” way all those who have been killed or injured by respectfully saying nothing at all… as we put a name to all cycling crash victims who we will never forget.
Please also add the names of cyclists we honor to the ROS Honor Roll database for statistical collection purposes – http://bit.ly/mnFne9
Let the Silence ROAR.

photo: Larry Schwartz, inspiration for initial The Ride Of Silence

May 6: Housekeeping - Three Things

2011-05-06T06:32:00.001-05:00

1.
We have a problem on Facebook.
There are evidently many Ride Of Silence page, but without a location attached to the title. I’m told there is a glut of these out there.

If you put up a page, add a hyphen and include your town/city/location you’re riding in. Here are some examples: “Ride Of Silence – Carbondale,” “Ride Of Silence-Fitchburg,” “Ride Of Silence – Garland.”
There should be only one Ride Of Silence without a location, and that would be the main organizers page.
Can you add your location before this year’s ride?

2.
something to be aware of...
The Ride of Silence in Winston-Salem, NC will not be taking place this year.
According to last year’s organizer, Bruce Hermann, “I’m afraid it is out for this year. Last year I funded and organized the event myself. Despite hiring WSPD officers, publicizing through the local bike shops, cycling clubs, schools, churches, media,… I only got a handful of riders. I even got letters of support for our elected representatives and a Ride of Silence Declaration read at the start of the ride by our Mayor. If the ride can be embraced by the local club or the MS ride, both of which have hundreds of riders, then it can turn into a successful event.”
As one of the board members said, “Pretty sad situation there. Hard to imagine why there's such little support in some cities.”
At least part of the answer might lie in today’s RofS blog, written above, “Who is Them in ‘US vs. Them?’”
It’s not a good thing that one of our own doesn’t see the need for a collective voice that coalesces cyclists for what is a legal right.
Concerning Winston-Salem only attracting “a handful of riders,” it should be pointed out, that there are many locations where only a few riders collect before riding off in unison with the rest of us. Every location doesn’t have to be a mega ride. We would all prefer 10 ride locations of 10 people, than one of 100, because there would be more visibility in the 10 locations.
IF there is any way to salvage the location in Winston-Salem, IF any of you know a cyclist there who is able to be point person for the ride, please contact him or her ASAP, and let’s get that location back on the map. Meanwhile, be safe and ride on.
Thank you.

3.
Believe or not, you still have time to order a Ride Of Silence shirt. When I asked if I should tell people they can still get one, I was given a resounding, “Yes! I have tees in all sizes and dri fit in small and medium. If they have any questions please have them call my shop at 972-527-6263.” You can still order!

13 days to go.

Who is Them in “US vs. Them?”

2011-05-06T05:56:00.004-05:00

(2004, Ride Of Silence, year 2 )

As we prepare for our 8th Ride Of Silence, and get as many sites and cyclists lined up for our one special day to show the local community as well as the world the power of a cyclists gathering together in peaceful silence protest, I encounter an excuse why some people don’t feel this is an important event.
Personally, I was hurt, because it came from an accomplished long time cyclist, and a friend I’ve known for over 30 years. But his statement of nonchalance points to the PR problem we as cyclists have. One is cohesion, the other is communication. Both are at least partially a result of the individualistic nature a bicycle attracts and the freedom it provides.
I was shocked by Bob’s comments, though they probably ring true in many cycling communities throughout my state, my country, and the world.
I provide his reasoning so you might be aware of what mind set is out there, and what we’re fighting against. Sadly, it appears to be ourselves…

"While I do know people who have been in car/bike incidents, and in one case, a nearly fatal farm implement/bike collision back in the 80s, to my knowledge, no "cyclist" in my immediate area has been killed in over 30 years.
"There has been the occasional death of a child riding in the dark without lights or intoxicated individual riding home from a local tavern (because they've lost their driving privileges), and while sad, the drivers of the motor vehicles involved bear little responsibility, and these incidents have no association with the local cycling community. So, locally (and personally), there's little impetus for a RoS. In some respects, that's a good thing."

12 days to go.

CALLING THE RIDE OF SILENCE ARMY!

2011-04-30T19:47:00.005-05:00

Calling all centurions, those who are calling together a local ban of cyclists to be part of a larger voice, one that hopes to collectively overwhelm our politicians and authorities, and get the attention of local, national, and global media.

We have 18 days left to make an impact on one single day; to show the sheer number of cyclists who have a legal right to ride under safe conditions; a show of force restrained through silence that will become deafening as a public outcry.

In 18 days, The Ride Of Silence, known for being free and without registration, hopes to populate as many cities, towns, villages, and communities as the world has never seen. (Today we are 191 locations. Last year we got to 321. We’re pushing for 400 this year.) This ride, organized by volunteers from top to bottom, is fueled by passion and purpose.

We are asking for all those who would be a contact person, to send in their site location now. This is important to get a listing of sites for the other cyclists to see and know where to gather, and the local media who are visiting our site now in preparation for a story. PLEASE, go to the web site, and register your site today.

If there is NOT one near you, or on your side of town, please register your own ride. Don’t wait for someone else to do it for you. This is very easy to do. Just step out! Please. For those who have been killed or injured and unable to. …Please. Please join us May 18, 2011, 7 PM.

Again, thank you for being part of this world wide event. It is appreciated. I look forward to partnering with each of you as we continue the tradition of excellence that distinguishes The Ride Of Silence, and together, we envision the path for the future.

Centurions, come! Now is the time. We have 18 days to go!

Chris Phelan, Founder
The Ride Of Silence
http://www.rideofsilence.org/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttNHKTRMtK4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNWj-OU5kBc
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Ride-of-Silence/33924790161?ref=ts
Wednesday, May 18, 2011, 7 PM
One day. One time. One world, world wide.
Let the silence roar.

The 2010 Ride Of Silence:
321 locations world wide
50 U.S. states
26 countries
7 continents
0 words spoken
A million powerful memories.

"I pledge allegiance, to the bicycle, in the United States, and to the righteousness, of every ride. One planet, Many bikes. Indubitable, with liberty and justice for all." - Hawaii Ride Of Silence organizer, Georgette Yaindl

“Cost-effective investments in bicycling boost our economy, help individuals and government agencies save money, and directly address key societal challenges such as obesity and road congestion. In these tough economic times, our federal government can only afford to invest in solutions that solve multiple problems. Bicycling fits the bill!” – PeopleForBikes.org

THE RIDE OF SILENCE ARMY

2011-04-21T14:01:00.003-05:00

Calling all soldiers of The Ride Of Silence Army. Time to suit up!

We’ve got 27 days to go before this year’s opportunity to make at least one motorist aware of sharing the road with a cyclist; a chance to save at least one life; to have the motorist not look at us cyclists, but as a relative, a friend, or a neighbor.

By calling the killed or injured cyclists is really a disservice and distances motorists from caring about them. Instead of seeing a cyclist in the way, we should see our relatives and friends on a bike, a father perhaps out for some exercise, or maybe a mom training for an upcoming bike rally. Maybe that cyclist trying to stay out of harms way in front of a long string of cars is our friend from the running group training for her first triathlon. Or it could be our neighbor on his way to work.

I believe in this event with my whole heart and being. But this event, and the thought behind it, is not about me. It is about those comrades that have fallen, those with whom we have shared the road with, to carve out that space that hugs the white line as motorist drive by unaware. This is not a popularity contest or a-cause-of-the-week. This is about life and death, those cycling friends and relatives who have lost their lives on the road due to motor vehicles.

Right now, we’re at 191 locations. At this time last year we were at 142, and ended with 321. Please summit your ride so the cyclists (relatives, friends, neighbors) in your area can make plans to attend.

If you want inspiration to host a ride in your town, or be part of the one already nearby you listed on the web site (http://www.rideofsilence.org/), look no further than this landmark, heartbreaking, and chilling article by David Darlington titled “Broken” for Bicycling Magazine, Jan/Feb 2008 issue. (It can be seen at: http://www.bicyclingmag.com/news/advocacy/broken?page=0,0)

“Every time we take to the open road, we entrust our lives to a safety net of legal protection and basic human decency. That system has failed.” This article is based on police and legal documents. It details how if a motorist kills a cyclist, his chances of being found guilty are extremely rare.

Come on out, campers. The bugle is calling you to line up.

27 Days to go!

Please join us May 18, 2011, 7 PM

Chris Phelan, Founder

(Photo of cyclists coming into downtown Dallas, 2004)

Number of RofS Locations Growing

2011-03-29T16:25:00.003-05:00

That's right! We're growing!

According to our web master, Tim Potter, we're ahead of last year's pace for locations. Yaaaaaaaaaay!

He wrote on Monday, Mar 28, "As of today we're at 150 locations. A year ago today, 88 locations."

J Steve from Seattle piggy-backed on that with this: "We're 70% ahead of same time last year. Previous calculation had us @ 56% ahead of same time last year. This looks like a notable curve folks. At this rate (total 300+ last year...) having 450 locations (a very conservative 50% growth) is likely, and breaking 600 is possible. 'nuff said.

7 weeks to go!

(Photo of bike lane in Baltimore.)

New Stickers

2011-03-24T16:25:00.003-05:00

March 24, 2011

Check it out!

We've got Ride Of Silence stickers to put on your bike, helmet, car, computer, guitar,...where ever!

You can see what it looks like to the left. These are small (5 cm), so they'll fit any where, tastefully.

We're doing this in bulk. For 2,000 stickers, it's $160, plus shipping. Pass them out to your club or at the ride, on May 18.

Contact our Ride Of Silence Board member, Ben Valin at: rideofsilence.sg@gmail.com.

Other news:

We are almost 8 weeks out before the ride and already we're hitting 150 locations. It's going to be a good year! Organizers, get on the web site and list your ride. People who WANT to be a host (it's very easy), go to the web site menu on the left side, and list the ride YOU want to do.

So long as the distance is between 8-12 miles (12-20k), you cycle no faster than 12 mph (20kph), start at 7 PM, and ride in silence, you can join us. List it and it's that easy.

Let the silence roar!!

New 2011 Ride Of Silence Poster

2011-03-07T15:26:00.002-06:00

3/7/11

ATTENTION Ride Of Silence site directors and organizers:
The new 2011 RofS poster is in, and on the web site.

I like the look.

Look for it under “Organizer Resources.” Then go half way down the page to ‘Official Poster.”
http://www.rideofsilence.org/resources.php

Please note the accompanying printer directions.
It’s time to paper the streets with The Ride of Silence poster to alert elite and casual riders, and the general public.
“The Ride” is coming!

Please join us May 18, 2011, 7 PM

Chris Phelan, Founder
The Ride Of Silence
www.rideofsilence.org
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttNHKTRMtK4
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Ride-of-Silence/33924790161?ref=ts
Wednesday, May 18, 2011, 7 PM
One day. One time. World Wide.
Let the silence roar.

The 2010 Ride Of Silence:
321 locations world wide
50 U.S. states
26 countries
7 continents
0 words spoken
A million powerful memories.

"I pledge allegiance, to the bicycle, in the United States, and to the righteousness, of every ride. One planet, Many bikes. Indubitable, with liberty and justice for all." - Hawaii Ride Of Silence organizer, Georgette Yaindl

Ahead Of Last Year! Yes!

2011-03-02T19:48:00.005-06:00

On Feb 28, our web master Tim Potter wrote:

"Just wanted to let everyone know that we broke 100 events today. Last year we were at 65 confirmed events on this day. We're on a good roll for another record breaking year folks!"

To register your site, go to: http://rideofsilence.org/addlocation.php. You don't have to have all the details ironed out until much closer to the ride date (May 18). You can come back and fill in the particulars at a later date.

You're doing great folks! You make me proud!

Cyclists Hurt.

2011-02-28T12:12:00.001-06:00

Friday, February 25, 2011
Graphic video.
...Don't we all fear this could happen to us?

http://www.theurbancountry.com/2011/02/critical-mass-carnage.html

...*sigh*

SHHHH! Or shhhh?

2011-02-27T08:54:00.005-06:00

A young rider made known his thoughts about The Ride Of Silence riding in silence, to a local organizer, who in turn passed them on to me. We'll call the rider, "Bill." (Not his real name.)

Bill wrote, "Sorry, great idea, but the part about discouraging conversation just kills it for me, & most people I talk to about it feel the same. You might want to reconsider.

Believe it or not, this is a question that comes up from time to time. So let me explain it to Bill and others about that silence part of the ride.

First, and foremost,…

This is a memorial event, no different than Memorial Day 21 gun salute held in the U.S., or a funeral service. Granted, there is usually a parade involved with Memorial Day , but even then there are moments during the parade where people are silent, solemn, out of respect and introspection.

But Bill and others might not know there are Ride Of Silence locations that have additional things scheduled after the “quiet” ride to allow people to break the ice, open up, or gain closure over loved ones lost.

For example, Colleen Brown in Oakland County, Michigan, has a huge party at the velo-drome immediately after the ride. It all goes off really well. Other locations go to dinner. Point is, Bill and others who ask about the silence part of the ride, are focusing on only one aspect of the ride. It is the part that I happen to feel is the most important: silence.

...Sometimes there's nothing louder than silence. It ceases conversation, raises awareness, and underscores an important point. Simple silence. It asks for nothing anyone, no input, yet is impossible to over look or cover up.

Secondly, The Ride Of Silence is also a protest of sorts. It’s a show of solidarity among ALL cyclists, while also a show of strength, of numbers, of being able to come together showing the general public (motorists, governments – local, state, and national - authorities, and city planners) we are countless, more wide spread than many realize, with the same concern: living. This is an important, dammit!

This is an important event. NO WHERE else, under no other banner, is this opportunity taking place to peacefully assemble on the same day with ALL CYCLISTS, just as cyclists in New York, Florida, Alaska, Argentina, Singapore, etc. are also assembling. Bill and others miss the point by focusing on the silence.

Though I quietly resent Bill’s comment about a lack of conversation and that it “just kills it for me,” I respect his opinion and in turn, ask him to respect us and not come, not join in the procession, the grief or closure, or the empowerment I hear consistently from people after they’ve ridden.

At the start of the ride the first few years The Ride Of Silence began, I told people if they didn’t think they could be quiet during the ride, if they didn’t support in their heart what this was about, to please leave, no questions asked. “Do NOT ride with us, please,” I told the crowd of thousands that came to Dallas' White Rock Lake. If it’s a buzz kill for you, Bill and others, then don’t come. It’s that simple. There is no fee so you're not out any money, and since we don't collect a fee, we're not missing your financial support.

However, I would argue every great solemn event has within it a moment of awe and introspection. And this is nothing if not solemn. (Reference the sentence toward the top of this page where it begins "First, and foremost,...") Sorry, Bill and others, that we’re not chatting meaningless conversation over clinking champagne glasses, listening to a party band with balloons strung about. For you, there’s Applebee’s to mourn those killed.

Not that “most of the people” Bill talks to who “feel the same” aren’t important, but I’m willing to bet any Ride Of Silence organizer hears more feed back than Bill does. I know I see, hear, and read more feedback than most local organizers. Trust me, Bill, people aren’t attending because we are silent. One look at the increase in the number of locations last year can answer that question.

Finally, about Bill saying we "might want to reconsidering,"…in the words of Winston Churchill getting pounded in London daily by rockets during WWII, “Never, never, never.”

Bottom line, “Sorry you missed the point, Bill. Bye.”

Further discussion needed?

80 days left before we ride together, slowly, silently, ...proudly.

http://rideofsilence.org/addlocation.php to add a ride location for you, in your town.

Let the silence roar!

I’m Not Going

2011-02-21T20:21:00.003-06:00

February 21, 2011
I will not be going to the National Bike Summit to lobby for safer roads, or to enlighten congressmen about The Ride Of Silence, or meet up with other R of S organizers from around the country who will be attending.
After sending out my plea for donations back in the January 3 blog post to attend the National Bike Summit, we received one donation. Fifty dollars was sent by Mike Keel (Bikin’ Mike Keel), and he was alone.
I’ll more than likely contact him and ask to return the donation since it won’t be enough to help us/me out. After all, he has his own financial concerns being a R of S ride organizer, as well as a bike educator and ride director of several of his own rides.

For those going, Tim Potter from Lansing, MI (“as part of my job here at Mich. St. Univ.”), Lois Moss from Portland, OR, and Jody Orlovick of Cleveland, OH, are all attending and would like to meet up with other Ride Of Silence people. Tim is asking “any other organizers going to the Summit to get together while we're there, a mini RoS Organizer Camp.
“National Bike Summit - Ride of Silence Organizer's Gathering:
“If you're planning on attending the National Bike Summit in DC this year, Tim Potter (the Ride of Silence webmaster and board secretary) would like to organize a gathering one of the evenings during the summit. There are at least 3 organizers and one former board member who'll be there that we know of. Please use this Doodle Scheduler to indicate if you'll be there and which evening you'd be able to attend a gathering: http://www.doodle.com/8mevgzcx48dyz49n.”
The hope is that R of S people can meet each other, and maybe meet with a specific Congressman together. There’s strength in numbers.
Also, J. Steve, our Portland, OR organizer said, “I'd like to invite the organizers to the R of S Google group to provide a place to discuss challenges and success stories.” Please take a peak!

And here’s something extra to help spread the word about The Ride Of Silence: a video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttNHKTRMtK4

Specifically, it is to let every person, every town, in every country know the we would support them entirely if they want to host a ride in their own town, even though the local governing cycling body doesn’t agree, or is holding you back. WE SUPPORT YOU!
(The video has enclosed captions in case English is NOT your first language.) Thank you for being partners with us.

Keep the rubber side down and stay active!

c

Ride Of Silence Volunteers Rewarded

2011-02-19T20:12:00.005-06:00

(Left to right, RofS Sec. Tim Potter, MLB Ex. Dir. Rich Moeller, RofS Founder Chris Phelan, RofS VP Mark Hagar)

Two people who volunteer gobs of time and energy will be rewarded March 25 in Michigan at the Michigan League Of Bicyclists (MLB) summit meeting. The awards will be presented by MLB Ex. Dir RICH MOELLER (pictured 2nd from the left).

The first of these two special people, MARK HAGAR (pictured on the far right), will be given the Bicycle Educator Of The Year award, “for education efforts on behalf of bicycling at the local, regional, and state level,…for all of his work with The Ride Of Silence.”
As the Vice President of The Ride Of Silence, he created the highest concentration of ride locations anywhere on earth. With over 20 locations in his home state of Michigan last year, Mark made it a mission to not let larger US states forget about the northern “ice box” state.
California and Texas (the home of The Ride Of Silence) only tied with 8. Pennsylvania came in 2nd place with 7 ride sites. (New York and Oregon had 6, while Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, and Georgia all tied with 5 locations each. As of this writing, there were already 29 US states that have locations, and 92 world wide.)
Realizing his talent for growing the ride, Mark has been shifting his focus to help grow it around the rest of the country and the world.
The second person being recognized for his tireless volunteer work and sacrificing his own time as Volunteer Of The Year is TIM POTTER (pictured far left), the Secretary and Web Master for The Ride Of Silence. A quiet thinker, Tim is many times a voice of reason during discussions within board meetings. He also sets up the technology to allow us to talk by phone from our various locations around the world. Currently he works with BEN VALLIN in Singapore to make our web site technology the best it can be without a budget. Tim is active at the state level with the MLB, works with the Ride Of Silence, and attends the national bike summit in Washington to help convince law makers that there are cyclists out here whose lives matter. Tim heads up the bike shop at the Michigan State Univ campus, is married and has three kids.
Both of these people spend many hours on the phone and internet making the roads safer for you and me, while also honoring those who have been killed by motorists.
I personally congratulate each one for their service and this honor bestowed on them.
Thank you Mark and Tim for being part of us! I look forward to rest of our journey.
c

The President's Not Coming

2011-02-19T20:06:00.004-06:00

FEBRUARY 19, 2011I received a call yesterday from The Office of The President. President Obama will not be able to join one of our many rides across the US and the world this coming May 18. Yes, I'm slightly disappointed, again. I really want to see him on a bike. What better opportunity than a short and slow ride, maximizing safety?

Last year, there was a chance President Obama and former President Bush would be able to ride along on one of the short and silent rides, until more pressing matters arose for both.

(George W lives not far from The Mother ride that started it all in 2003. Word on the street was he was going to make an appearance. He rides in the area with amazing regularity, having become a local celebrity in the saddle in the most surprising places. He just pops up on the road, on a trail, or in a ride. Next thing you know, "Photo Op!")

I have not yet worked my way into contacting the former President, but should make that a priority coming up. It would be nice to have one of the world's leaders acknowledge what we do on the third Wednesday in May, on the same day, at the same time, all over the world.After all, we've had councilmen, mayors, governors, and congressmen. Why not the President?Maybe this will be the year.

Web Cast Wrap Up

2011-01-16T19:08:00.004-06:00

January 15, 2011, 4:58 PM, Arlington, IL

We just wrapped up the Ride of Silence Midwest Organizer Planning Camp here in Arlington Hts., IL, courtesy of Gary Gilbert (Arlington Hts. organizer) and Elizabeth Adamczyk (Chicago organizer). 13 of us (9 organizers, 4 supporters/volunteers) were here in person with 3 phone callers, 9 webcast viewers from Seattle, Iowa, Wisconsin, Texas, Ohio joined in. You can watch approx. 3 hrs. of the meeting via ustream

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/12033301

We had some great discussion. I think this meetg. can serve as a great model for other organizers in other areas of the US or the world to do similar meetgs for fellow organizers in their area to build community and improve our events.

Kudos to Gary and Elizabeth!

Tim Potter, RofS Web Master (pictured)

Web Cast: Saturday, Jan 15, 12 EST/1 CST

2011-01-13T17:20:00.005-06:00

(The photo is from Steve Magas, the Ohio bke lawyer who wrote the stunning book "Bicycling & The Law" - http://ohiobikelawyer.com/about/. He's doing some great work researching police reported bike crashes: http://ohiobikelawyer.com/bike-law-101/2011/01/how-many-cycling-deaths-in-ohio-in-2010/)

Steve, along with RofS Founder Chris Phelan, will be calling into the web cast for the Midwest planning to coordinate directors, media, and volunteers. Rather than have people working against each other, host GARY GILBERT (Arlington, IL director, pictured below in Jan 8 blog entitled "Fatality Bike Maps") will bring together many of that area's coordinators to work together.

Gary: "I expect attendees from Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Singapore. It should be a great time to share ideas.

"For those who are unable to attend – the plan is to broadcast the event LIVE on the Ustream.tv website. There is a very brief welcome video at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/11984951 We’re using the free service so there will be advertisements along with the video – we have no influence on the choice or frequency of advertisements so please just be patient.

"If you go to the http://www.ustream.tv/ website and search for GaryRideOfSilence you should be able to see the live feed. If you create a user id and logon the website, you will be able to communicate with us via the chat room. You can ask questions and make comments by typing into the chat room.

"I am going to attempt to record the session also and if we are successful, you will be able to play it back at a later date.
"Creating the webcast is an experiment. We’re amateurs at best."

For those of you attending in person, the location is:
814 E Hackberry Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
We hope this will be a template for future meetings in the other areas of the US, Canada, Australia. We look forward to hearing from you.

So Far!

2011-01-11T09:40:00.006-06:00

January 11, 2011 (1/11/11):

Our web master just sent out an email last night, letting us know we are up to 58 locations (52 domestically, 6 internationally).

Though it is far from where we have to go, and far from the 321 locations we had last year, I still find this impressive.

Why?

Consider the second year of The Ride Of Silence, in 2004. We reached 50 locations! FIFTY! That was incredible then, unheard of. Those 50 were spread from Hawaii to Montreal. That blew my mind. It was incredible to think there would be that many rides going off on the same day, at the same time. Wow! It was very heady stuff, hard to fathom, hard to believe.
As of today we have over that number spread across 5 continents. Incredible!

I know, I know. You're thinking "So what?" But with each ride we add to the map, our voice grows that much louder, literally dying to be heard. I appreciate every single ride, every addition, clump, pack, peleton, rally we can get out on May 18, 2011, 7 pm, no matter the location or the number of riders.

Though I can appreciate 58 registered rides on the web site, I want to see the map COVERED with dots. Dots everywhere, representing some passionate person out there riding slowly and silently, in memory of the thousands of cyclists killed, and in protest of how cyclists have become an invisible population to motorists, authorities, courts, city planners and insurance companies.

Last year we hit 321.

But there is no reason why we can't hit over 500! No reason.

How 'bout you, Europe? Think you can pony up with 50-75 rides? I think you can. And what about you, South America? Can I put you down for the same number, 50-75? Surely, yes. Japan? Australia? Africa? You, too, United States. Let's all get on the bus because we have a long way to go. So far, it's been nice. But we have so far to go, so far to go.

"Get on your bikes and ride!" - Freddie Mercury

You can see today's registered rides at:
http://www.rideofsilence.org/locations-domestic.php
http://www.rideofsilence.org/locations-international.php

FILLING A VOID: Dentist For Southeast Villages Killed In Bicycle Accident

2011-01-08T16:20:00.004-06:00

(A story which mentions why The Ride Of Silence touches people's hearts.)

By KORRY KEEKER JUNEAU EMPIRE

On a clear day from his dental office at the Kake Health Center, Dr. Stan Oldak would gaze across Chatham Strait to Baranof Island. On his left was Keku Strait and Kuiu Island. To his right, lay Frederick Sound.

Sound off on the important issues at It was a long way from his other pediatric practice in the heart of Manhattan.

"Once he finished for the day, he would call his friends in New York," said Mary Vincent, a physician assistant in Kake. "And I heard him say once, 'You know, this is the most beautiful view from a dental office of anywhere in the world.'"

Oldak began visiting Southeast Alaska in 2001 for eight weeks of the year as part of the specialty pediatric dental program that the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium runs in conjunction with Denali KidCare.

He was the only dentist that many of the children in Kake, Hoonah and Yakutat have ever known. They won't be seeing him again.

Family, friends and patients on both ends of the country are mourning the curious, adventurous doctor who balanced his professional life with cycling, skiing, beading, kayaking, photography, cello and a never-ending list of pursuits.

Oldak, 59, was killed by a hit-and-run driver in the early morning of May 6, near mile 208 of a 400-kilometer cycling qualifier. He was struck from behind by a pickup truck at a left-hand curve at 1:40 a.m., on Interstate 90, two miles from Columbus, Texas.

Oldak was wearing all the proper reflective gear, his friends said. He needed to finish the leg by 5 a.m. to qualify for the prestigious Paris-Brest-Paris international road race.

No arrests have been made in the accident.

Oldak is survived by two adult children, Jason and Emily, and his ex-wife, Janis.

"It was a really big race for him, and he had this kind of boyish enthusiasm that propelled him," said Richard Silverstein, Oldak's friend since the 1980s. "I can just imagine how excited he was."
Roughly 700 bicyclists are killed by vehicles each year, according to the organizers of the annual Ride of Silence (www.rideofsilence.org) which staged events on May 16 at hundreds of locations around the country.

This year, Oldak - the president of the New York Cycling Club - was honored at three of those rides: in Waterloo, Iowa; Columbus, Texas; and New York's Central Park.

"If he put his mind to something it would be achieved," wrote his son, Jason Oldak, in a eulogy posted at http://www.nycc.org/.

"He was remarkably gifted with his hands and his comprehension of the ways things work physically, and mentally, right brained and left. His passions and hobbies were endless. Life was always evolving for him and he brought that out in my sister and myself."

Oldak spent most his life in New York. He grew up in Brooklyn and studied dentistry at New York University. He spent eight years as a dentist in the U.S. Army, and eventually returned to Manhattan.

There, he ran a high-end pediatric practice with two other dentists near New York University. Many of their clients were the offspring of the rich and famous.

Oldak loved the culture of the big city. It fed his near-obsessive pursuit of knowledge. But he leapt at the chance to visit Alaska for the first time when SEARHC began its pediatric dentistry program in 2001.

It wasn't easy for him to leave his practice, but he made it work for two weeks at a time every three months.

"I tell people back home that this is one of the nicest things that's happened to me in my career as a pediatric dentist," Oldak told the Juneau Empire in May 2004.

"The only difference that I've found is that in New York the kids go 'ow' and in Hoonah the kids go 'owee,'" he said.

"He felt a social responsibility, and he knew what we were doing," said Tom Bornstein, the director of SEARHC's dental services department. "He bought into improving access to care for kids. And I think that part of it also was that he enjoyed travel and the adventure of it.

"I remember the first time he came back from Kake and had seen some black bears out there," Bornstein said. "Of course, after several years he had his own bear stories and his own plane stories just like the rest of us."

Oldak ate up the scenery, photographing everything he saw and collecting baskets and Native art, his friends said. He adapted quickly, and he was delighted to be accepted into the community.

"When they first started, lots of the kids needed a lot of dentistry and a lot of cavities needed to be filled," said Cynthia Valentine, Oldak's girlfriend and an orthodontic specialty assistant with SEARHC.

"He enjoyed the fact that every time he came to the villages, there was less and less immediate care needed, and more just preventive and continuing care."

"You can imagine when you've got a practice in New York what it involves to go out to Alaska a couple times a year, but his values trumped his comfort," Silverstein said.

"He felt like it was his professional obligation to try to help people who didn't have the opportunities that people have in areas that are well served by medicine."

• Korry Keeker can be reached at korry.keeker@juneauempire.com.

BIKE FATALITY MAPS

2011-01-08T16:01:00.005-06:00

(L-R: Chicago organizer Elizabeth Adamczyk, Chris Phelan, League of American Bicyclists Andy Clarke, Arlington-Illinois organizer Gary Gilbert, RofS Board VP Mark Hagar at the Michigan Bike Summit held March 2010.)

J Steve Mayo, our Seattle ride director, has found several maps showing bike fatalities and injuries.

"Results vary depending if you are logged into Google or not, so here is the link to the search:
search for user-created maps (6 results, with 1 of 6 shown)- the one shown for me is a fatality/injury map for Iowa roads by Scott S. (see link below)
Next click See all 6 results for "Ride of Silence" user-created maps- this adds orange mouse-over dots for the 93 business results (above)
Here are the six I was able to dig up, since the results seem to vary:
Ride of Silence - ongoing fatality/injury map for Iowa roads
2007 RoS route map for South Lake Tahoe
2010 RoS map for Chatham-Kent- Ontario, Canada
Ride of Silence (all years + planning) Seattle‎
Ride of Silence 2008‎ - Orlando FL (from a .kmz mapping file)
Westside Ride of Silence 2010‎ - Beaverton(Portland), Oregon
Ride of Silence 2010 - Singapore‎ (proposed)
Ride of Silence - Carpark and East Route and back - 2010 Singapore
Ride of Silence 2010, Singapore‎
Ride of Silence SA‎ - South Africa - Ray's 12 city tour
Zoom around the map to see what you find.
Peace,
J.Steve

Today: OVER 50 LOCATIONS. Ahead Of Pace

2011-01-08T13:45:00.007-06:00

NEWS

From the desk of our web master, Tim Potter:

Here's a great milestone for this early in the year. We just got our 50 ride location for 2011.

Last year we had 45 registered by this date, so we're ahead of last year! I'll be updating our graphical map soon."

This should encourage ride directors and people who are considering hosting a ride (it's really quite easy: http://www.rideofsilence.org/howto.php and http://rideofsilence.org/addlocation.php) to go ahead and list the ride on the web site. This will give people (and the media) knowlegde of a ride in the area. And as we all know, the more sites there, the more attention our cause gets.

The date, time, distance, and speed are already set (May 18, 7 PM, 8-12 miles, no more than 12 MPH).

You just have to decide on a location, and list it. It's that easy.

January 3, 2011: "HPPY NY :) "

2011-01-03T19:58:00.003-06:00

(The title is a play on texting, something we are all trying to live with, especially motorists.)

I stared out the second floor bedroom window of my sister-in-laws house. My wife Janalou was in the bathroom. We were both getting ready for bed, barely hanging on to midnight to see the year in. Since their house sits on a hillside with downtown in the far distance, we could almost watch the fireworks from our bed as we drifted off.

The world was “out there” beyond the window and in the dark. I was looking for sign posts to guide me into the year that was about to start. Other than my own insight, there was none.

I continued to look into the dark. I was trying to find a reason and make sense of the past year, and years that have brought me to this point in space and time. The trails, roads, fields, mountains, and oceans I’ve traveled; the sorrows and joys; the disappointments and victories; the loves and friendships won and lost; the lost opportunity but intuitive luck; the set backs over come by persistence; and the realization of what I needed, instead of what I thought I wanted.

Despite the year it’s been for you, never forget to include the blessings of all the intersections you crossed safely. Don’t forget the good things. Don’t let the clouds block out the sun. May your failures be forgiven, and your hurts healed.

If I asked you what your prized possession was, hopefully you wouldn’t include something material, something that could be burned up in a fire, would rust, or be stolen. I would hope you’d include a memory, maybe of a person you met, fell in love with, and remained in touch with. (If you’re not in contact, call him or her. It might take two calls, so be patient.)

This post is the official kick off of something I wish weren’t necessary. Though The Ride Of Silence has been accepting submissions of ride locations since September, early January is when things seemingly go into “high gear.” This is a ride that I wish didn’t happen. Sad. But there is no one, but us, who holds a memorial for lost cyclists. Yet the number of cyclists killed dictates that such an event of acknowledgement as ours should exist.

Please sign up your ride. Now is the time.

Check here to see if there is a ride near you; if not please consider telling the world you will be riding May 18, 7 pm, by going here to fill out a form which takes only a couple minutes.

This year, I am hoping to be one of the speakers at the National Bike Summit on March 8-10. I want to address the US cycling lobby, as well as speak to as many Congressmen, face to face, as possible. I want to lobby them to: 1) get on a bike; 2) ride with The Ride Of Silence: and 3) show solidarity with us.

This is an opportunity to help this movement forward. This is a chance to for this volunteer organization that hosts a free ride to become a louder voice in the US, where we are drowned out by full time lobbyists with a budget.

Here’s the budget:

The Summit costs $580 per person to attend. But, if we receive permission for our representatives to give a presentation, our cost goes down to $375.

Looking at air travel from Dallas to Wash., DC, we think we can get it a single round trip ticket for $500.

Lodging at the Sofitel (806 15th Street NW, (202) 730-8800, Mention League of American Bicyclists) is $259 per night (three nights) is $777. But, I am hoping to use the “Home Stay” program. (If one of you would like to host us while we're at the Summit, please let me know, so that we don't have to stay with strangers that have no interest in the RoS.)

The TOTAL we are looking for is $875. Can you help? Are you able to assist The Ride Of Silence? We still need help with transportation, both to get us there, and once we get there, to get around. Can you help? If so please send a donation via check to:

The Ride Of Silence – Nat’l Bike Summit
609 Trail View Lane
Garland, TX 75043Or, via PayPal online by going to our Donations page on our website.

Last year I was able to attend the Michigan Bike Summit and it was wonderful to be around such encouraging and supportive people. We drove each other with the common interests of bicycle safety and inclusion into the main stream. It would be a great step for The Ride Of Silence to be among the policy makers to spread the word about this great event.

But we won’t be able to without your help? Please consider us in your giving.

Other Ride of Silence Happenings:

We're excited about an event that a our key organizers in the Chicagoland area (Gary Gilbert and Elizabeth Adamczyk, also on the RoS advisory board) have organized for January 15th.

Gary says, “Each of us have different issues surrounding organizing the Ride of Silence from engaging the community, police, press, cyclists in the planning to actually holding the ride. We can all learn from each other to make the 2011 ride a success.”

It's a Ride of Silence Organizer's Camp which is open to any RoS organizers in the Midwest and may also be web-casted for others around the country and the world to tune in and benefit from the discussions. Gary and Elizabeth hope that participants will share ideas for improving their events, promotion tips and challenges among many other topics.

Contact Gary by Jan. 13th if you're interested in attending in person or if you'd like to receive details for the possible webcast/conference call: gary.bicycles@comcast.net

Thank you. Here’s to 2011. Here’s to you. Stay active.

c

2010 NUMBERS

2010-06-23T09:34:00.002-05:00

Just for reference, anyone can quickly see the numbers of participants and locations reported so far by using our report viewing tool.

You can view by state or country or the entire world by using the drop down menus on this page: http://rideofsilence.org/reports/reportView.php

I'd like to remind everyone to make sure their own event reports have been submitted.

The current numbers stand at:

Total 2010 Riders: 17323

Number of Locations Reporting in: 170 (out of 317 known locations) 54%.

We've still got a LOT of locations who haven't reported this year.

2010-05-19T05:11:00.003-05:00

On the eve before the Big Event we're at 295 rides world-wide on all 7 continents in 22 countries and all 50 of our United States. Thank you all for your incredibly important roles in making this all possible as volunteers who often spend a considerable amount of personal funds to support your events.

If you happen to be aware of other events happening in your city/ community not listed on our database please submit what you know using our form; we'd love to know about every event happening & reach 300 events world-wide.

We've just received some of the best of news as well as some of the worst and we'd like to share it with you as an encouragement and reminder of why what we're doing is so important.

First, here's a link to Congressman Earl Blumenauer's (3rd District, Oregon) performance earlier today on CSPAN demanding attention to bike fatalities (May 18, 2010, YouTube video). This short video is truly inspirational, giving our efforts national level support from one of the biggest bicycling advocates we have in Washington, DC. Earlier this spring he also wrote a very powerful endorsement calling our event the "National Ride of Silence". Just as an idea, reading Earl's endorsement before or after your events might give your participants much needed comfort and confidence in the direction of our government.

The very sad news comes from our neighbors to the north in Montreal, Canada, where in just the past few days they've experienced 2 horrible road tragedies claiming 4 bicyclists, 3 in one crash alone. This news article gives the details which you might want to share in brief at your events tomorrow.

Finally, an important reminder from a very weary webmaster: PLEASE submit your POST-event reports using our online form. Please DON'T email them to me. Our form allows you to submit your written report and links to photo galleries, videos, news stories as well as attach up to 10 of your better photos.

Let the Silence Roar!

Tim Potter

Webmaster

10 STATES

2010-05-07T09:10:00.002-05:00

MAY 7, 2010

We have 10 states left to become a unified voice in the United States over sharing the road.
Can you find two other people to ride with on May 19, 7 pm, to join us in support of mourning the loss of our cycling brethren and those injured by motorists? Can you?

Please consider joining us. To do so, click on the tap on the left, marked “Add A Location” under Event Locations. Tell us where you’ll ride and that you’ll let us know how many joined you, and that’s about it. Simple. Easy. Please do so now while we can still reflect your participation. If it gets too close, we can NOT guarantee you appearing on the web site OR on the map.

Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming.

It would nice to have you join the union of bicyclists from coast-to-coast so that our voice could be larger, and possibly heard by insurance companies, city planners, authorities, motorists, or local, state, or national governments. The media looks at our map to see our growth, and to see who to contact. Your local paper would be interested in knowing you are part of a larger grassroots force.

Yes. You, and two buddies. Three of you. Riding silently, slowly, at the same time on the same day as others everywhere. It’s Memorial Day for cyclists. Please join us. It's free.

LAB Comments on U.S.DOT Notice of Proposed Law

2010-04-29T06:07:00.002-05:00

APRIL 29, 2010
LAB Comments on Distracted Driving
U.S.DOT notice of proposed rulemaking

LAB would like to take this opportunity to inform you that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking Limiting the Use of Wireless Communication Devices. Comment period concludes on May 3, 2010 – LAB

http://capwiz.com/lab/issues/alert/?alertid=14971921&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id

League of American Bicyclists Comments to FMCSA

The League of American Bicyclists is pleased to have the opportunity to comment on the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) notice of proposed rulemaking
to limit the use of wireless communication devices.

Safe, responsible driving requires concentration. While there have always been many
distractions on the road, technology and hundreds of new gadgets have given drivers
many more distractions. The proliferations of technologies designed for and available to
drivers have currently overtaken the ability of state and local laws to monitor and regulate
usage. Roads in the United States are getting more dangerous.

In 2008, there were 5.8 million crashes reported to the police, causing 2.3 million injuries
and nearly forty thousand deaths. The estimated annual cost, in adjusted 2010 dollars, of
all crashes is $296.8 billion.

We understand that FMCSA’s rulemaking will impose sanctions, including civil penalties
and disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle, including school buses.

We would strongly urge the FMCSA to consider that any revenue from distracted driving
fines should go to safety programs. The income from all fines for distracted driving
should be put toward awareness programs and marketing campaigns, street safety and
targeted traffic enforcement (assistance for police department to do explicit traffic stops
and ticketing for distracted driving). These efforts should emphasize safety for all road
users, including the most vulnerable, such as children, cyclists and pedestrians.

Furthermore, fines in school zones, or from school bus driver infractions should be
doubled, and the money should go to a School Zone Safety Fund to support Safe Routes
to Schools and infrastructure upgrades to increase safety for children. Several states have
passed similar laws to send fines from school zone infractions to such a fund.

Thanks again for the opportunity to comment on this very important issue. – LAB

13 STATES

2010-04-22T08:18:00.004-05:00

As of today(8:30 am, April 22, 2010) , a month away from the big ride on May 19, there are still 13 U.S. states that do not have a Ride Of Silence ride. How is that possible? How can we help to get a no cost ride of three people for 8 miles to take place on May 19 this year? How?

We, at the Ride Of Silence, know for a fact that the media checks out our web site to see which locations are hosting rides. Even though those three people that ride together in South Dakota don't think they are making a difference, IF they list there ride with us on the web site, they are being seen. The strength of this ride and it's fallout, is numbers: number of total riders and number of rides.

I was a guest at the Bike Summit in Michigan on March 27, 2010, hosted by the League of Michigan Bikers (LMB). Michigan has the largest number of sites of ANY state (24 currently, I believe). It made sense to fly up there. (I live in Dallas, TX, where even though we have good weather comparatively, it's the home of Lance Armstrong, and it's where the Ride Of Silence orginated, there are ONLY 9 sites over this vast state!). Besides, there were two board members I've never met face to face who live there.

(I'm hoping to travel next year to OTHER bike summits to preach the good word about The Ride Of Silence. I'd love to be able to make it to all 50 states and each country, too. Please, let us know if you're bike organization is interested and let us know!)

I was struck by how on fire these people are for two-wheeled recreation, transportation, and advocacy. Why doesn't that transfer, I wonder. Some places, you would think, would jump on the chance to be part of the only world wide event. And yet, they don't. Do they not get it? Do they not see what the rest of us see?

China is an example. This year the government for that country has decided to fully back the Ride Of Silence. There factories are in production printing up bumper stickers and arm bands, and are giving the R of S free advertizing. Gee, locally, I'd just be happy with the Mayor of Dallas getting behind it.

To some we, as cyclists, are a nuisance. To some, an after thought. And to those who will take part in riding together with me and the rest of the world, we get it. We understand how much of a difference bikes on the road can mean on many different levels. We understand that the more cyclists that participate on this day, the less we can be ignored, the louder our collective voice can be, and the more friendlier our roads will be in the future.

Please join us on May 19, 7 pm, for a free, short memorial ride. Won't you, please?

Below is a letter of encouragement in three languages from Board Member Mark Hagar. Please pass it on to those who'd like to ride with. Mark and other board members can help you get your ride going. Contact them if you have any questions.

Thank you.

Chris Phelan, Founder
The Ride Of Silence
http://www.rideofsilence.org/
Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 7 PM
One day. One time. World Wide.
Let the silence roar.

Hello past & present Ride of Silence organizers,We are now a month away from this year’s Ride. We’ve over 180 locations listed worldwide, with many new locations listed this year.Hopefully you will continue the tradition started by our Founder Chris Phelan, and will again hold a Ride of Silence in your community.The Ride of Silence offers cyclists an opportunity to honor and mourn fellow cyclists killed or injured when enjoying an activity they love on public roadways, while trying to raise awareness of cyclists legal rights to the road, to community officials, the media and the general public. Please get your location listed as soon as possible, for the greatest visibility in your area.Thanks and I look forward to riding with you all globally on May 19th, or May 22nd in the southern hemisphere.If you need my support, do not hesitate to contact me,Sincerely,Mark

Google Translated Below:

Google Traducido continuación:

Google traduit ci-dessous:

Mark Hagar

Ride of Silence, Board Member, Mentor, Club CommunicationsRide of Silence, MI Director, 2005-2010 Grand Rapids MI USA Organizermark.hagar@rideofsilence.orghttp://www.rideofsilence.org

"Silence Can Be Deafening

Join the Ride of Silence Cause on Facebook:

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/331887?m=18ec8a44

Bonjour Ride passé et présent des organisateurs de Silence,Nous sommes maintenant à un mois de Ride de cette année. Nous avons plus de 180 emplacements répertoriés dans le monde entier, avec de nombreux nouveaux sites répertoriés cette année.J'espère que vous continuerez la tradition instaurée par notre fondateur Chris Phelan, et tiendra à nouveau un tour de silence dans votre communauté.Le Ride of Silence offre cependant un honneur cyclistes chances et de deuil cyclistes collègues tués ou blessés lors bénéficiant d'une activité qu'ils aiment sur la voie publique, tout en essayant de sensibiliser les cyclistes droits légaux de la route, aux fonctionnaires communautaires, les médias et le grand public .S'il vous plaît obtenir votre adresse ci dès que possible, pour la plus grande visibilité dans votre région.Merci et je me réjouis à l'équitation avec vous tous le monde le 19 mai ou 22 mai dans l'hémisphère sud.

Cordialement,MarqueHola paseo pasado y presente de los organizadores de silencio,Ahora estamos a un mes de paseo de este año. Tenemos más de 180 localidades que se enlistan en todo el mundo, con muchos lugares nuevos que figuran este año.Esperamos que pueda continuar la tradición iniciada por nuestro fundador Chris Phelan, y de nuevo llevará a cabo una cabalgata de silencio en su comunidad.The Ride of Silence sin embargo ofrece a los ciclistas un honor oportunidad y llorar compañeros ciclistas muertos o heridos al disfrutar de una actividad que les gusta en la vía pública, al tratar de aumentar la conciencia de los ciclistas derechos legales a la carretera, a los funcionarios de la comunidad, los medios de comunicación y público en general .Por favor, obtener su localidad que aparece tan pronto como sea posible, para el mayor visibilidad en su área.Gracias y espero a montar con todos vosotros el mundo el 19 de mayo o 22 de mayo en el hemisferio sur.Atentamente,Marca

Ride, Captain, Ride!

2010-01-29T11:23:00.003-06:00

16 WEEKS TO GO
Ride, Captain, Ride!

One of the dreams I had about the R of S was being able to visit and ride at the different sites each year.
One step closer this year will be attending the Michigan Bike Summit and meeting with two board members who reside in Michigan: Mark Hagar and Tim Potter. We’re asking The Ride of Silence board and individual Michigan riders to sponsor the trip. (The R of S makes no money.) Here’s the web site info on it: (http://www.lmb.org/index.php/events/mi-bike-summit.html)
I went to Charlotte, NC in 2008 where I met board members Mike Stieglitz and Michael Gibbons. Email and even phone conferences are nice, but it’s even better putting a face with the name, and discussing things in person, with immediate responses.
I was in Florida’s panhandle last Sept (2009) but never met up with organizer from Pensacola. (Can’t remember his name…)
Ideally, I’d like to keep this going in other parts of the country and world to help us all feel connected, which we are in this cause for safer roads and longevity while riding.
There is a pay pal account set up to assist this Michigan trip, March 26-28. If you can help, that would be great. The account is:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=K834MWTZ289Z2

We have some good news and great news to report.
The good news is the doctor who was found guilty of purposely slamming on his brakes in front of a cycling pack has been prosecuted. The great news is there’s now a federal ban on texting while driving commercial motor vehicles. This second piece will make it safer on the road for ALL road users; everyone will benefit.

Last, I want to remind all (anyone) thinking of hosting a Ride Of Silence (it’s quite easy) this coming May 19, get on the R of S web site (http://www.rideofsilence.org/) and register your ride. Even if you’re the only person expected to show up at this time. Once it’s registered, others will see it and come out. FIRST, put the ride out there. The sooner, the better. Times-a-wasting!!!

Chris Phelan, Founder
The Ride Of Silence
http://www.rideofsilence.org/
Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 7 PM
One day. One time. World Wide.
Let the silence roar.

2009-05-17T15:10:00.003-05:00

GREETINGS RIDE OF SILENCE DIRECTORS.

You are special people, for you have taken on the leadership of organizing a memorial ride in your area, like no other. Before The Ride of Silence, there was no single event that united the world like this free event run by volunteers. Isn’t it amazing what passion can do? I praise you and thank you for that passion! “Thank you!”

I want to let you know about a couple of things to help you get the word out to your local cyclists and media, and then wish good weather for everyone.

One, is the NEW Craigslist posting you can put up using the following as a template. This is only an example due to the location mentioned:
http://lansing.craigslist.org/bik/1175340293.html

Second, there is NEW Public Service Announcement (PSA) for this year on the front page of the web site and at youtube.com. The new feature this year is it has a closed caption button (bottom right corner) that can access 30 languages. This will be very helpful to the rest of the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLEcwJuCdf4

Please do NOT submit your post ride reports to the web master. A NEW self-serve web form will be up for you to enter your information there. After you’ve reported your numbers, this could be the most accurate total we’ve ever had. Every ride counts, as does every rider. Isolated rides of two’s or three’s are welcome and encouraged. Among other things, one day I hope The Ride Of Silence will take place in EVERY town. With your help, it will. Today is a fine place to start with that fantasy.

The ride is set for you to be autonomous, meaning you have a lot of control over your ride. We have very few rules so that we all send the same message (free, less than 12 MPH/20KPH, 8-12 miles, May 20, 7 pm, black arm bands to show solidarity, red arm bands to show you’ve been hit, and silence). After that, many sites use a variety of things to “get the word out,” such as: the use of a hearse, the use of a coffin, stopping at Ghost Bike memorials, bag pipes playing Amazing Grace, bugle playing Taps, the reading of those that have been killed, the reading of the R of S poem, and so on. Do what you want to do to make the ride personal to YOU and your area, within good taste and common sense.

A quick look shows were at 262 rides, in 16 countries, with more locations to be put up. I’ve said this many times, but, I am truly amazed at its growth. I never imagined it and nor did anyone else back in 2003. I will continue to say this because it should humble all of us where we started and where this ride is today.

You will be reaching people who have never heard of this message, or seen this ride before. You will be the first to impress them. I have personally gotten several emails from new people. But, also, statistically speaking, chances are you will be riding with some one who won’t be here next year. It will be their last time to hear this message because they will be killed by a motorist. Ride like you’ve never ridden before. This could be your last time.

Thank you, each and every one of you, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart. The greatness of this ride is made up by individuals, choosing to be together in peaceful and silent assembly on the same day, at the same time. Thank you.

Tail winds and sunny skies!
Stay active.

Chris Phelan, Founder
The Ride Of Silence
http://www.rideofsilence.org/
Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 7 PM
One day. One time. World Wide.
Let the silence roar.

2009-05-17T13:23:00.004-05:00

Larry Schwartz, whose death inspired the first Ride Of Silence in 2003, and stands now representing all those who have also been killed by a motorist.

THE SOUND OF SILENCE

Hello darkness, my old friend

I’ve come to talk with you again

Because a vision softly creeping

Left it’s seeds while I was sleeping

And the vision that was planted in my brain

Still remains

Within the sound of silence.

In restless dreams I walked alone

Narrow streets of cobblestone,

’neath the halo of a street lamp,

I turned my collar to the cold and damp

When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light

That split the night

And touched the sound of silence.

And in the naked light I saw

Ten thousand people, maybe more.

People talking without speaking,

People hearing without listening,

People writing songs that voices never share

And no one dare

Disturb the sound of silence.

"Fools" said I, "you do not know

Silence like a cancer grows.

Hear my words that I might teach you,

Take my arms that I might reach you."

But my words like silent raindrops fell,

And echoed

In the wells of silence

And the people bowed and prayed

To the neon God they made.

And the sign flashed out it’s warning,

In the words that it was forming.

And the sign said, "The words of the prophets

Are written on the subway walls

And tenement halls."

And whisper’d in the sounds of silence.

2009-04-15T20:38:00.003-05:00

This is an article ran in the Michigan State University newspaper.

http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article/2009/04/bicyclists_need_to_stay_on_sidewalk

Bicyclists need to stay on sidewalk by Zack Colman

Black 2001 Saturn SC2. That’s the car I drive — and if you’re a bicyclist on the road but not in a bike path and you see my car, I hope you’re wearing a helmet, because I might run you over.
Maybe not intentionally.
But you see, with all these things I can do in my car nowadays, such as choose a different song on my iPod, send a text message while driving or fall asleep at the wheel because I had to wake up for a worthless 8 a.m. biology lab, I might not notice you.
And, considering you are where you should not be, I might hit you.
The simple fact of the matter is, MSU has so kindly provided sidewalks for people on foot and Rollerblades, and MSU’s ordinance should be revised to require bicyclists be there too. The university has outlined bike paths on certain roads, but bicyclists can’t just create imaginary bike paths like they do.
I cannot drive my car on the sidewalk, so why must you ride your bicycle where I drive?
Many of my friends ride bicycles on campus, so I’m not trying to berate a whole demographic of students. I appreciate bicyclists who advocate environmentalism, since they are making up for the damage I do with my car.
I respect bicyclists who use bicycles as a form of exercise, since people certainly can never get enough fitness in their everyday routines.
But for as much as I respect and appreciate bicyclists, I will not hesitate to honk at them when they are interfering with the roads.
My concern is not merely about inconvenience.
Bicyclists on the road are a driving hazard to people in automobiles, since many bicyclists make turns without using hand signals and ride too close to other vehicles when there is no designated bike path.
For example, I was driving to work Tuesday when a bicyclist pulled up in front of my car in the right lane on Farm Lane going northbound where it intersects with Shaw Lane. There is no bike path at this portion of the road, and I needed to be in the right lane to avoid the left turn only lane, but the bicyclist was in the way.
Instead, I had to speed ahead and veer away from the fast-approaching rear end of the car in front of me, just barely making it into the right lane.
Some will say I could be more patient on the road.
But roads are for cars, not bicyclists. The bicyclist should not have been in the car lane.
It’s possible some bicyclists are trying to live out their dreams of being Lance Armstrong, and the smooth terrain offered by the roads where big, people-killing cars are designed to travel on are more desirable than the sidewalk pavement.
I get it, bicyclists — you’re in the Tour de France. Well, in your head at least.
But in reality, my gas-guzzling, carbon footprint-leaving car is trying to get around you, the bicyclist. And you, the bicyclist, prefer to coast, not along the side of the lane but in the exact middle.
Maybe in your head you are actually driving a car. Maybe that’s why you believe you should be behind a pickup truck and in front of 15 other cars trying to pass you.
And maybe you are Armstrong, so talented and in shape and able to pedal so, so fast. But Armstrong’s average speed in the 2001 Tour de France was 24.9 mph, which is 0.1 mph less than most of the speed limits on and around campus.
Plus, I’ve had difficulty finding students who actually obey the speed limit anyway.
It’s common for motorists to drive at least 5 mph above the speed limit, which makes your task to out-pedal Lance Armstrong all the more daunting. And considering you’re not actually Armstrong (even if you do wear a skintight yellow bicycle uniform), you likely are not going 24.9 mph.
And, oh yeah, Armstrong is competing when he is bicycling — your leisurely ride through campus might not even register on a police radar.
But, hey, snap out of it. You’re not Lance Armstrong.
And those are the headlights of my black 2001 Saturn SC2 bearing down on you.
Zack Colman is the State News opinion writer. Reach him at colmanz1@msu.edu.
Published on Wednesday, April 8, 2009

I am continually astounded at the ignorance that pervades my species. I am not sure if shake my head at embarrassment for this man, or the horror he commits.

"Someday, I visualize a world when motorists will know beyond a doubt that they will encounter two-wheeled people. When cyclists will ride in safety, at any time of day, and not worry for their lives, but rather in pursuit of their own well being, and their own dream, uncompromised, and untarnished. I have a dream!"
Chris Phelan, with acknowledgements to Martin Lurther King’s "I have a dream."

2009-02-20T15:40:00.001-06:00

(Tim Potter, 1979 Bike Trip. Today he is the web master for The Ride Of Silence.)

February 20, 2009

EXCITING NEWS !!!

The Ride Of Silence has expanded beyond anyone’s expectations, riding on the same day at the same time, throughout the world, …FOR FREE! It’s really something amazing and thrilling for each organizer to be part of and proud of.

But, this giant memorial ride that is like no other event in the world takes resources to run, both locally (permits, signage, advertising) and globally (web site, legal costs). It has been with a LOT of consternation the board has decided to offer something that we think its time has come. A bike shirt.

I have been asked many, many times over the years about shirts and the use of the logo (trademarked), and have even seen a R of S shirt illegally produced. It got to the point where either we were going to be on the train or run over by it, and lose “our shirt.’ (Sorry.)

So, at this link: http://heatedink.com/rideofsilence.html, you will see a few items we have gone to great lengths to keep tasteful, yet unique; something you’d feel proud wearing. Let me emphasize, this is official merchandise. Nothing underground, or looted. After all, it’s to help spread the word about sharing the road and remembering our biking brothers and sisters.

Thank you.
Thank you, very much!

c

WELCOME TO THE 2009 RIDE OF SILENCE…

2009-01-21T19:52:00.003-06:00

Run - bike trail in New York City

What started off in 2003 as a singular voice in Dallas, TX, has spread across the state, country, continent, and the world.

Each year the ride and, more importantly, the consciousness of sharing the road, has grown, awaking sleepy motorists, insurance companies, authorities, city planners, and city governments to the ramifications of a bike friendly city, both fiscally and statistically. (Ironically, Dallas, TX for two consecutive years has been listed as the worst place to ride a bike in the U.S.)

Nevertheless, we have much to do using our peaceful and quiet demonstration of the needless killing taking place on our roads.

As a defacto clearing house for the loved ones left behind a cyclists killing, we hear a very similar, yet surprising story each time. The scenario is this: a lone cyclist is hit from behind on an otherwise quiet road by a lone vehicle.

Though it happens in other ways as well (because of the staggering amount of cyclists kill each year, there is a wide variety to how motorist hits the cyclist), this similar scenario is surprising because it does not occur among speeding traffic who can’t see the cyclist, but rather in full view of their windshield. Tragic. And as inexcusable as if the motorist hit another motorist wrapped in a metal capsule. Yet, according to Bicycle Magazine, most motorists get off without so much as a traffic ticket. Sad.

I think there are two reasons for this gross injustice.

First, the cyclist is dead, and therefore can’t defend himself. When the police show up, and later in court IF it goes that far, there is only one side to the story of how the cyclist was hit and killed.

Second, IF the case gets to court, I believe that most people hearing the case (judges, jurors) are unable to identify with the cyclist because they don’t cycle. Those doing the judging are unable to know what it is like to ride within inches of vehicle passing them, and may even see cyclists as only a nuisance, a child’s toy that needs to not travel beyond the drive way.

There will be people taking part in this years ride to bond all the living cyclists (defined as ANYONE who can straddle a non-motorized, two-wheeled vehicle), who will not make it to the end of this year. They will be innocently killed, unable to match a ton of metal moving four times faster then the cyclist. The dead cyclist will follow all of the laws and yet will get none of its protection.

Do not be fooled that this cyclist can’t be you.

Let the silence roar this year on May 20 at 7 pm through the world, as cyclist ride less than 12 MPH for an hour in procession, in honor, in memorial of those that have ridden before.

Go to the web site, find your nearest location (or start one in your home town), straddle a bike, and join the thousands on this day to remember.

c

Make Roads Safer For Bicyclists

2008-05-18T17:54:00.003-05:00

MAKE ROADS SAFER FOR BICYCLISTS

BRIAN DIRKS
seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/362140_bikesafety08.html

You have seen us along rural roads, city streets or riding off a ferry: groups of bicyclists moving like a winding ribbon of metal and muscle in silvery helmets, bright-colored garb and blinking lights.

Cyclists want you to spot them. They share a love of the road, great Washington scenery, cheery camaraderie, a zeal for a healthy environment and good personal health.

We have our own language. If we see shattered glass or a pothole, down waves the hand. If a vehicle is coming, an alert of "car back" is yelled up the line to ride single file. Organized rides have a designated "ridemaster" whose job is to guide, educate and keep cyclists safe.

Even so, a few bicyclists die in this state and hundreds more around the country each year. Many more are injured from car-bike accidents. According to official statistics, there were 50 cycle fatalities on Washington roads from 2003 to 2007. Those numbers may be slight relative to the 2,578 who died in motor vehicle and motorcycle accidents over the same period, or the 343 pedestrians killed in auto-related collisions, but there aren't as many cyclists.

Slapdash motorists aren't always to blame. Sometimes the fault is traced to road conditions, mechanical issues or even the carelessness of the rider.

Some motorists would like laws to restrict cyclists from using roads for which they claim they pay with their tax dollars. That driver ignores that most cyclists are also drivers who share the tax costs of the roads. Our family fuels four vehicles and, with daily van pooling, I log more than 20,000 motor miles a year.

While the majority of motorists are courteous and provide safe distance, most road cyclists have stories of near misses. Last year a motorist lobbed a water bottle within inches of me, then circled back to yell obscenities. While pedaling in rural Pierce County last summer, a vicious dog charged while its owner stood by -- it was all I could do to outrace the beast. I now keep mace handy.

Years ago, my 72-year-old grandfather died from head injuries from a bike spill in West Seattle. It is in remembrance of him and other fallen cyclists that I will join Seattle's Ride of Silence on May 21. This is a national event organized locally three years ago.

In 2005 and 2006, nearly 1,000 riders took to Seattle streets to ride silently in memory and honor of cyclists killed and injured. In a recent article, Seattle ride organizer Gary Strauss wrote the Ride of Silence "builds awareness that cyclists have a legal right to share the roads and acknowledges the tremendous courage it takes for bicyclists to share the road."

The evening Ride of Silence is open to all. The ground rules for participation are simple: Show up and ride at no more than 12 miles per hour. There are no shirts or registration and no fees. You can get more details of the Seattle, Tacoma and other area rides by going to local bicycle club Web sites or bike shops.

We in the bicycling community hope these Rides of Silence will raise public awareness and make our roads a little safer for the thousands of adventuresome and well-meaning cyclists in our communities, for our kids, for our environment and health.

Seattle native Brian Dirks lives in Federal Way and is a recreational cyclist.

“Rules of the Road” for Safe Cycling*

2008-05-18T15:55:00.005-05:00

(Mike Gibson and Chris biking through Costa Rica, Jan '07. Photo by Michael Montgomery.)

Below I am repeating something straight from the R of S web site. But it beares repeating. And note the source. (Three days and counting!)
c

"RULES OF THE ROAD" FOR SAFE CYCLING*

1. Always Wear A Helmet A helmet will not prevent a bike crash but it is good, cheap insurance that may allow you to walk away from one. Make sure your helmet fits and is adjusted properly.

2. Follow The Rules Of The Road Obeying the same traffic laws that apply to motorists allows safe and efficient travel for all. Cyclists who make up their own rules are in great danger.

3. Ride On The Right With Other Traffic Some people were taught to ride on the wrong side of the road so they can “see traffic coming”. This is dangerous and it is illegal in all 50 states. Pedestrians walk facing traffic so they can sidestep off the road, if necessary. But you cannot sidestep on a bike. The accident rate for wrong-way cyclists is 3.6 times as high as for cycling the "right" way. Other drivers look for traffic coming from the usual direction. They usually are not looking for wrong way traffic.

4. Be Visible! Other drivers will not hit you IF they can see you. Bright clothes make you easier to spot in the daytime but they are useless at night. Riding without lights in the dark is a very dangerous mistake. About thirty percent of cycling crashes occur at night although only about four percent of cycling is done then. The reflectors that come with new bikes are grossly inadequate for nighttime safety. Always use a headlight and taillight when you ride in the dark.

5. Learn Proper Lane Position Beginners usually “hug the curb” and then wonder why cars pass so close. Experienced cyclists let traffic pass when they can but they “take the lane” when needed for safety. If cars are passing you too close, move a bit left to signal to passing drivers that they must use another lane to pass. If you collect a string of cars behind you, try to find a safe way to let them pass. It takes practice to learn to ride effectively in traffic.

6. Be Predictable Ride a good, straight “line”, signal turns and generally look like you know what you are doing. How can you expect other drivers to avoid you if they cannot tell where you are going?

7. Be Courteous Act like an adult and share the road with other drivers. If others act like jerks, keep your temper -- don't descend to their level.

8. Keep Your Bike In Safe Condition Give your bike an occasional tune up. Before hopping on your bike, give it a quick check, making sure that wheels are tight and properly inflated and squeeze the brakes hard to see that they work and that cables are not about to snap.

9. Learn From Experienced Cyclists Experience can be a harsh teacher and it is a slow one. It takes at least 10,000 miles of cycling in traffic to become confident if you try to learn on your own. Joining a good cycling club is an effective way to learn the ins-and-outs of safe cycling.

*Courtesy of the Mountain State Wheelers Bicycle Club, West Virginia’s largest bicycle club (with slight modifications by the RoS webmaster).

HAVE YOU CALLED THE POLICE?

2008-05-15T20:30:00.003-05:00

Have you called the police?

Really, have you called and invited the local police departments in your area to take part in The Ride Of Silence?

Most two-wheeled divisions are thrilled to be asked and take part in such rides. It gives them exposure, AND…it gives the ride credibility and a certain level of assurance. Plus, it’s more people on bikes for your ride.

The print and TV media especially like capturing officers on bikes. Again, it works both ways: both get exposure.

Consider calling the cops. I think you’ll be surprised when they say “yes.”

It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway…
This is the time to contact the media (TV and newspapers, local and national) to bring attention to your ride. Type in the station into your search engine and get to the station’s web site. Then go to “contact us.” Be sure to give them the following:

World-wide, one day, one time
Date, time, location of your ride
The R of S web site to cross reference your ride
Purpose of the ride
Your name and contact information

They may or may not get in touch. You never know. But at least you’ll be prepared.

Less than a week to go!

GO!!

(The above picture was taken in 2004, the second year for the Dallas Ride Of Silence. Two-thousand cyclists attended. It was the first year the ride went beyond Dallas. Fifty locations from Hawaii to Montreal took part that year. As nothing was planned for an ending, what you see above was the first time the cyclists lined up, forming a hallway of bikes on their own, and waited for the last cyclist to finish. It was EXTREMELY touching.)

NOT!

2008-04-28T20:26:00.003-05:00

April 28, 2008, 8 PM

NOT!

(I have a ton of things to get done. I bet I’m two weeks behind on everything. But The Ride Of Silence rolls on. It’s coming whether I’m ready or not.)

As of today, there are 163 Ride Of Silence locations in the world, with only 10 U.S. states not reporting a site (Utah, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vermont, New Hampshire, Mississippi, and Arkansas). That’s good. …so far.

Yes, I’m happy about the locations so far. But, my psyche pulls at me. “Why are there 10 states that do NOT have rides?” Alaska I could understand. But even they are in. (Thank you Alaska!) But these 10 are part of the “Lower Forty-Eight?” Why?

I am struck year after year why our ride is so strong in some places and not in others. Austin, Texas, four hours away in the state where the ride started, the home of Lance Armstrong, biking Mecca for many, struggles every year. There have been years when there was NOT a Ride Of Silence there, while last year there were 300 other sites that were successful. Go figure. I shake my head.

Tami, this year’s organizer tells me, “We have done a Ride of Silence in Austin in the past, but with not a huge turnout – I am told. A few of us are trying to get the message out this year for a great turnout. A couple of my friends met this weekend and were up met with some road blocks.” Why? Road blocks? Really! The doors should fly open for the city to host the ride. FLY OPEN. Geez. I don’t get it.

This year Louisville, Kentucky is throwing in the towel. The organizer says the local cycling community doesn’t support the ride, doesn’t come out for the ride. I am shocked. Why? How can it NOT?

What we ride for affects all of us. You can NOT come up with a demographic the bumper of a motorist doesn’t avoid. The bumper doesn’t care who you ride for, or what’s on your jersey. Blood and life seeps through them equally. Your bike jersey will hold a dead body as well as a live one, and in most cases without you having a choice.

Upset? How can you look at The Ride Of Silence Memorial Page and NOT be. Did you read the Bicycling Magazine article on the damage being done on the roads? It was one of the most profound bike articles I have ever read. It was stupefying in its list of those hit, and killed, where the motorist walked. How can one NOT be upset when someone passes up the chance to light a candle, to assemble peacefully, and stand in silent defiance? How can someone be that callous, preoccupied, or worse, ignorant? NOT.

The above picture was taken before I arrived at the back of the pack the second year our ride was held. This is the end of the 2004 Ride Of Silence. There was about 2,000 that year. That year was the first year it went outside of Dallas, TX. That year at least 50 locations from Hawaii to Montreal talked me into organizing the ride beyond my own city. It was then I began to gain insight into and an appreciation for, The Ride Of Silence, and just how many of you are out there with no closure after losing a loved one who was innocently riding his or her bike. How could I NOT help organize the largest single day free event of the world?

Some days, it just doesn’t matter how busy you are. You just can NOT say, “NOT.”

Go get'em!

Buttons of Hope

2008-04-26T15:11:00.003-05:00

On May 21st at 7 pm, thousands of cyclists across the globe will participate in a rolling tribute to fellow cyclists who have been killed or injured pursuing their passion.

Started in 2003 to honor and remember Larry Schwartz (above) who was killed while cycling on May 4 2003, the Ride of Silence (learn more here) has grown to over 300 sites worldwide and has become the preeminent testament to cycling awareness and safety.

Michael Gibbons is a Ride of Silence organizer [Charlotte NC] and founder of Buttons of Hope. He is proud to partner with the Ride of Silence to provide custom photo buttons to wear in honor of fellow cyclists.

You can upload a digital photo and add your custom text on the Buttons of Hope website [it can be ordered by clicking here]. There are NO minimums (you can make and order a single button) and 20% of all proceeds are donated to the Ride of Silence to advance their mission! (We can also post a button image in the Ride of Silence gallery alongside Larry's so other people can order the button). Orders by regular delivery must be placed by May 12! (FedEx available at cost) Questions?? Please email or phone Michael below.

We are honored to be working with The Ride of Silence to help put a face on this cause ~ let the photo buttons speak as together we LET THE SILENCE ROAR!

Please feel free to forward this information to area bike clubs and individuals interested in Ride of Silence.

Phone: 704.341.1954PO BOX 470246 • Charlotte NC 28247
Buttons of Hope [michael@buttonsofhope.com]

TRULY INTERNATIONAL

2008-04-11T18:55:00.003-05:00

APRIL 11, 2008
Link to French Logo – The Start of Inclusion

Thanks to Alain Couët of Quebec, Canada, who started getting us to ask about our/your logo for The Ride Of Silence, we are now sporting the logo in different languages.
Personally, I think the time has come.
Last year The Ride was on every continent in our world. EVERY CONTINENT!! Unbelievable, given our meager beginnings. This has become an event that refuses to be contained.
That’s a good thing. The more people on our street, in our neighborhood, city, state, country, and world that hear and know about this one-time year, only event of its kind, the safer we, others, and even motorists will be.
Here’s to different languages.

Here's a link to it:
http://www.rideofsilence.org/documents/French-RoS-logo.pdf

c

THE THIRD WEDNESDAY IN MAY, every May, every year

2008-03-23T12:30:00.002-05:00

March 23, 2008
People are organizing, sending in their ride information, and getting their location represented on our map.
Just minutes ago, I received this email from Antarctica:

Hello Chris!
You can plan on another Antarctica ride this year. I hope the new gym bike arrives in time. The Lifecycle died and was shipped off station. Palmer now has just one spin bike. At any rate – Palmer will ride on with all ROS!
Cheers,
Maggie

If that’s not inspiring…

That’s was a good email to get after one stating a location declared they couldn’t ride this year because they didn’t know when it was (!!!?), and now, there was not enough time left.

Heads up:
First,
the ride takes place on the 3rd Wednesday in May each year, meaning you can plot out and plan now for the date come the year 2025.
Secondly,
The first Ride Of Silence was organized in 10 days. From start to finish. Ten. One thousand came. For the second ride, I took more time, about four weeks. About 1500 attended. Most FIRST TIME sites this year will put together a sizable ride in less than that.
With no money to change hands, having a short distance ride as part of a national and world wide campaign shouldn’t be hard to have three people show up at a spot, and ride for eight miles in silence. If you have to “organize” six months out, I feel for you. You have my sympathies.

One day. One time. World wide.
The Ride Of Silence
c

Public Service Announcement video

2008-02-22T16:44:00.003-06:00

Feb 22, 2008

I remember being extremely impressed with the YouTube videos of the different Ride of Silence events. I was sincerely touched. But they also depressed me because the orginal and largest of the rides didn’t have a video.

How could that be? With 3,000 cyclists amassed in quiet memorial, the Dallas ride should be up there also, so others could glimpse what it was like at ground zero.

That’s where friend MICHAEL FRIEDOFF came in. He had been filming it over the years but very few had seen his clips. Once contacted, he put this 30 second PSA together to be aired anywhere and everywhere. The link is above and contained here also:

http://www.rideofsilence.org/ROS_2008_PSA

Alas, I still have the same dilemma I started with because it’s still not on YouTube. (I need to learn how to get on it on there before the MAY 21 date of our ride together.)

Please spread this around. It is my hope one day to get the attention of one of the national news organizations so they will help spread the word, as well as the realization of what is happening on the roads. Maybe this PSA will help.

I am continually amazed at how each person adds to this world wide, free event, raising the bar each time. Each person makes a single contribution to this picture we are all painting, and in the end, everyone will benefit. Thank you, one and all.

Stay active.

c

Let the Silence roar

2008-02-11T16:32:00.000-06:00

Good morning.

Thanks for being on board with us, The Ride Of Silence, and for being willing to organize a ride or take part in a ride in your community.

Cyclists everywhere, including myself, applaud your effort at being part of this mass demonstration that has exceeded state, national, and cultural boundaries, to raise awareness of cyclists’ legal right to the road and motorists’ legal obligation to share the road.

Nothing like this has ever happened before. No event, short of Christmas, has traveled throughout the globe to take place on a single day, at a single time.

And there is the meat of it, the power of what we do when we take part in the R of S; getting as many people on bikes as possible, at the same time that have the same voice, communicating through peaceful assembly.

With over 200 locations in the US alone, it is becoming harder and harder for the motoring public to ignore us. And that's the point. When news reports show more than the customary 3-4 cyclists the local community is used to seeing on the road and report that there over 300 locations WORLD WIDE going on the same day, it is the hope and faith the our society will sit up and take notice, not only of those riding, but also those either no longer able, or those no longer with us to ride because a motorist-on-cyclist accident.

Nationally, this is akin to our Memorial Day, but without the bar-b-que sales. It's important to us that all the locations ride at the same time to make the above points. Fractured with events at several times during the month, or worse, year, is not in any of our best interests. The event loses its focus, and intent.

Our event is held on the 3rd Wednesday of May. Every calendar has that date. (For 2009, it will be May 20. Mark your calendar now.)

I can appreciate people wanting to simplify their calendar. But,...it's not about convenience. We have this one hour the entire year to show the public our strength in numbers, what we look like when we actually get together, those older, slower, faster, or leaner, with mountain bikes, racing bikes, kid bikes, etc. We have had 3,000 here in Dallas at the Ride Of Silence. That gets news coverage.

And, just in case the powers that be are concerned this is about profits or money, this event is also the largest free volunteer run event without cash flow, no budget. And that’s world wide.

Please understand the importance of being part of something that is going on in New York, Miami, Chicago, St. George, and Los Angeles; and Japan, Australia, Crete, England, Mexico, Argentina, Canada, and Antarctica; as well as Greenville, SC; Fitchburg, Mass; Denton, TX; Golden, CO; and Corvallis, OR. It's one.

One hour, on one day.

Stay active.

Chris Phelan, Founder

The Ride Of Silence

May 21, 2008, 7 PM

World wide

"Let the silence roar."

www.rideofsilence.org

Locations database cleanup

2007-03-02T06:22:00.000-06:00

Back in February, we announced that we'd be doing some Spring cleaning on our database of current and previous years' Ride of Silence™ events. We felt that this was necessary to address the concerns of some of you who were unhappy about the periodic e-mails we sent out as reminders to let us know whether or not you planned to organize a Ride of Silence event for 2007.

If you're just now getting around to thinking about your plans for 2007, be aware that we no longer have your previous years' contact and ride details on record. However, you can re-submit your location's event by entering your information at the Add Location page of the Ride of Silence web site.

Status update

2007-02-21T09:54:00.000-06:00

As of this morning, 121 locations from around the globe have confirmed their plans for a Ride of Silence™ event, and more trickle in each week.

That leaves over 150 locations from previous years unconfirmed for 2007, with the March 1 deadline for confirmation rapidly approaching. After that time, we'll be cleaning up our database and removing those locations and contacts we haven't heard from.

We can take a hint, and we don't want to pester those of you who, for whatever reason, will not be organizing a Ride of Silence this year.

However, if you miss the deadline and get dropped from the contact database, all is not lost. You'll still be able to list your local Ride of Silence by re-submitting your information from the Add a Location page.

2007 Event confirmation underway

2007-01-06T09:49:00.001-06:00

We've rolled over the ride listing database and are currently in the process of confirming new and returning events. If you're the organizer of a previous year's event and have not been contacted, please contact our webmaster and let him know if you will be organizing a Ride of Silence™ again this year. Also, send along any information that needs to be updated in your listing.

2007 Locations listing

2006-12-18T13:15:00.000-06:00

Some of you may have noticed that the Ride of Silence™ Locations page has undergone some changes since the 2006 ride. Here's why.

The number of Ride of Silence locations hosting events has grown during the past few years, and because of this and the amount of information the organizers wished to convey in their event listings, the Locations page had grown to be quite large. Recalling that not everyone has the luxury of a high speed internet connection, our webmonkey decided to speed up the loading of the locations by first splitting the Locations page into separate United States and International listings. He also added a bit more intelligence so that a visitor to the page is now able to select just the state or country of interest. No more scrolling around through hundreds of locations' listings just to get to the one you're interested in.

You can still get to the International and United States Locations pages from the left-side navigation bar, but instead being located near the top of the list of links, these have moved down a bit, under their own Locations heading.

We think it's a pretty good solution, and we hope you agree.

You also may have noticed that it has been eight months since the 2006 Ride of Silence, yet we have not yet updated the Locations listings with 2007 events. We know you're eager to learn what locations will be hosting Ride of Silence this coming year, but bear with us a little while longer. We'll be "resetting" the event listing soon after the first of the year.

Welcome!

2006-12-18T11:39:00.000-06:00

In an attempt to provide a convenient and effective way for Ride of Silence™ personnel to publish news and updates, we're going to give this blog a try. It is not meant to replace the main Ride of Silence web site, but will serve as a clearing-house for miscellaneous announcements, news articles, and editorial comments from the Ride of Silence board members to you.

Enjoy!