The Ride of Silence, now in its 16th year, will take place Wednesday, May 18, at 7 p.m. in Peachtree City and several hundred other locations, including 49 states, 20 countries and on all seven continents.
All area bicyclists are invited to participate in this free worldwide event, sponsored locally by the SouthSide Cycling Club. Cyclists will ride together in single file on a predetermined 10 mile route in a slow, silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways.
The local Ride of Silence will begin at Peachtree City’s Braelinn Shopping Center (South Peachtree Parkway and Crosstown Rd.) in front of the Bicycles Unlimited store. All cyclists and all types of bicycles are welcome. Cyclists must wear a helmet. A number of experienced cyclists will act as Safety Escorts to ensure a safe ride for all participants. All participants should be at the start location by 6:30 p.m. for pre-ride announcements.
Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, drivers often are not aware of this, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves. The Ride, held during National Bike Safety Month each year, aims to raise the awareness of motorists that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. Cyclists will also be reminded of their obligation to observe the rules of the road and cooperate with motorists.
“We are honored to host the Ride of Silence for all Southside Atlanta communities” said Fred Fratto, president of the 300-member SouthSide Cycling Club. “This global event is an excellent way to honor cyclists who have been injured or killed while cycling. It will proceed slowly, safely and in silence, much like a funeral procession. Many drivers are not aware that bicycles are legally allowed to ride in the streets and are often prohibited from riding on sidewalks by local ordinances. We urge motorists and cyclists to Share the Road – for everyone’s safety.
“We are also reminding motorists that, under Georgia law, drivers must provide a minimum of 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist,” Fratto continued. “This ride is open to the public and all area cyclists are invited to participate. Everyone who enjoys cycling should join the ride.”
