Ride of Silence

by Michael Hast

On May 18, 2016, the Ride of Silence traversed and united the globe as nothing before it. Cyclists took to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. 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.

With the killed and injured cyclists in Tucson earlier this year, this was especially bittersweet for some riders.

Brendon Lyons from 'Look! Save A Life / Arizona' had a display of his accident and what distracted driving can do to a cyclist. He had information about his campaign to make texting while driving illegal in the State of Arizona which is now banned in Pima County.

GABA organized a great Ride of Silence. We had a police escort of 3 motorcycles and 1 car all the way. It was an amazing ride with all riders being silent for the 1 hour event. We rode East on Broadway to Wilmot Road, then back on 22nd Street. The turnout was great, with a bittersweet fellowship afterwards.

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