The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road and remain silent during the ride. There are no sponsors and no registration fees. The ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for and honor the lives of those who have been killed or injured. See http://www.rideofsilence.org/ for more details.
Wednesday, May 16 at 7:00 PM. Motorcycle Escort provided by city and county police. Meet at the West Papio Trail Head, located at 3602 Raynor Parkway, Bellevue, NE, just north of Culver's Restaurant.
4 comments:
The ride asks its participants to follow the rules of the road...Is that to imply cyclists don't do that already? The ride is to make motorists, city officials, cops, etc. aware that cyclists have a legal right to the road...Ok??
What's really the point in all this? I mean, I've been riding for transportation for well over a year and I've seen more cyclists ignore the rules of the road than not. Motorists and others have full right to be annoyed with the cycling community of Omaha if this is what they're dealing with. How tolerant would you be of others that seemingly can't stop at stop signs or red lights or fail to signal (whether it be car or cyclists)? The fact of the matter is we merely have the privilege to ride in the streets. Any law(s) giving us that accommodation can be stricken from the books leaving us all with nothing but bike trails. Why should citizens/city officials get behind improving or expanding bicycle infrastructure when all they seemingly see are a bunch of people that can't follow rules using them. It seems your demanding respect and rights when you're not willing to put the effort into being responsible to the community in return.
So as much as cyclists wanna be self-righteous, how about we focus in as a community on educating those cyclists already out there and those that will soon be joining the ranks? (I know education efforts are made, but more can always be done.) Let's become the standard by which others are measured in terms of responsibility on two wheels.
We'll only get the respect we deserve when we give it. We'll only turn this city into a cycling city when we can show we have the means to teach our riders to be smart and responsible.
Riding around in silence is just riding around in silence.
I think your missing the point on the Ride of Silence altogether.
I get a kick out of folks that complain about the "cycling community" and how a few bad seeds ruin it for the lot. I certainly do not spend anytime on forums complaining about the cars I see running stop signs, or the lack of paying attention to the speed limit. Yet cyclist feel the need to be seen as an entire group.
Just my thoughts.
Rocketlawnchair - I was shocked at the tone and essence of your comments. Obviously you have the right to speak your mind, but have you attended a Ride of Silence? Have you researched even a little bit what the event is about? It seem the answers must be no. While much information is available at the National Ride of Silence website = http://www.rideofsilence.org - perhaps this news item will help you understand = http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/changetheworld/2012/05/wednesdays-ride-of-silence-salutes-two-beloved-fathers.html
You ask what really is the point? Well, the ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for and honor the lives of those who have been killed or injured.
You accuse cyclist of being self-righteous and that term, applied to this event, is what motivated me to leave this comment. After educating yourself about the true motivation behind the event, if you still think it is just riding around in silence, spend a little time being thankful that you are not included on this list http://www.rideofsilence.org/memoriam.php
Rocketlawnchair you need to reflect some on the facts. The road system is not designed for bicycles or anything other than automobiles. Motorists aren't keen on sharing the road no matter what the circumstance and if they are inclined not to be jerks, then they are unused to sharing the road as well. Cyclists are trying to use the road in a way that makes sense for them--it will not be identical to motorists regardless of the law. We are in a transition phase and it will not be smooth, yet it will happen. Wish I lived near enough to participate, but I will keep your community in my meditations. Take care.
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