Ride of Silence returns to recognize cyclists, more
An annual event on Sanibel planned for next week will commemorate cyclists who have been injured and killed while riding a bike, as well as raise awareness about the importance of sharing the road.
Held since 2008 on the island, the Ride of Silence will take place on May 21 at 7 p.m. starting and ending at the Sanibel Community Park on Sanibel. Organized and hosted by the Sanibel Bicycle Club and Billy’s Bikes, the route will follow along the city’s Shared Use Path for approximately four miles.
“Florida now leads the country in bicycling fatalities with nearly 500 last year,” club President Jim Meyer said. “We hope that this awareness program will slow that fatality rate.”
“This is both for the motorists and the cyclists,” he added.
The first Ride of Silence was organized by Chris Phelan in 2003 in Dallas, Texas, after cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and killed. It drew 1,000 participating cyclists.
Today, events are held around the world on the third Wednesday in May at 7 p.m.
The Sanibel event is open to the community.
“We welcome the public,” Meyer said. “We welcome families and children.”
Those interested in taking part should arrive by 6:30 p.m.
“We’ll describe the process, the ride itself, and the fact that it is a silent ride as a tribute,” he said, referring to the event’s history. “We’ll make sure that all non-club members have signed the waiver.”
The route will head east on Periwinkle Way and then south on Casa Ybel Road, turning into West Gulf Drive. At Tarpon Bay Road, it will travel north to Periwinkle and then east again to return to the park.
“It’s a short ride, it’s slow,” Meyer said. “It’s a very simple ride.”
“And, again, it’s a tribute to the cycling community that we’ve lost,” he added.
The Sanibel Police Department will assist with traffic control.
Participants are required to wear a helmet.
“The only requirement is a helmet,” Meyer said.
“We prefer no headsets because they’re distracting,” he added.
Billy’s Bikes will have water, some safety vests and a few spare helmets for those who need one.
There will also be information on the club.
“We will have information about joining,” Meyer said.
The island is invited to take part.
“We’re trying to improve the cycling and motorist and pedestrian environment on Sanibel,” he said. “This will help to do that.”
For more information, visit https://sanibelbicycleclub.org/ or contact Meyer at 314-406-0904 or member and Ride Leader Kevin Connerty at 239-887-2369.
The Sanibel Community Park is at 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
Annual Ride of Silence
When
May 21 at 7 p.m.; arrive by 6:30 p.m.
Where
Sanibel Community Park, 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Details
Free and open to the public
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email