On Wednesday, bicyclists in 17 countries, participating in 263 rides, will honor fellow cyclists who have been killed or injured on the roads.
The Ride of Silence will be a rolling wake and protest, in which riders are asked not to exceed 12 mph or speak. There is no brochure, no sponsors, no registration fees and no T-shirt. The ride, which is held during Bike Safety month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. Riders are being asked to not be confrontational and to obey all traffic laws.
According to the Ride of Silence website, although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn’t aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.
There is not a Ride of Silence planned in Lancaster. There are four in Pennsylvania. The closest one is in West Chester. That 10-mile ride is being organized by the West Chester Cycling Club. It begins at 7 p.m. at the parking lot on Chestnut and Darlington streets, West Chester, 19380. Black armbands will be made available for the first 100 riders. The 12 mph maximum speed rule will apply.
Other rides in Pennsylvania at the same time will be in Emmaus, Philadelphia and Williamsport.
