Bicycle 'Ride of Silence' Set for Tonight

A group of bike riders will leave from Woodinville's Wilmot Park Wednesday night without talking to one another. The ride is part of a global event to raise public awareness of the vulnerability of cyclist sharing roadways with cars.

A large group of local riders are expect to participate in this year’s Ride of Silence, a silent procession of bicyclists honoring cyclists killed or injured while 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,” the international organization states on its website.

The route will take cyclists along the Sammamish River Trail into Redmond and back to Woodinville.

Kirk Nygaard of Woodinville is helping to get the word out about the ride. The ride is a slow, easy event designed to attract people of all ages. It’s a perfect ride for families, Nygaard said.

“We have a group of 40-50-year-old men and women who are passionate about bicycle riding, and are very aware of the dangers of riding on the road,” he said. “Many of the riders know of some bicyclist who has been injured by a vehicle — the bike never wins this battle.”

Darren Manci of said the ride is a great way to remind cyclist and cars that safety is the responsibility of everyone using the roads.

"Cyclists and motorists want to share the road for the most part, and engendering respect for and from both parties is always a good thing in my opinion," he said.  "There is a growing number of cyclists on the road in the area, and event like this reminds everyone to ride safe and take good care of each other. "

The ride is free and requires no registration. Riders will gather at Wilmot Gateway Park in downtown Woodinville at 6:30 p.m., the ride begins promptly at 7 p.m. 

In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after his friend, endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed.

Kirk and his friends had been cycling together for awhile when he read about the Ride of Silence in a cycling magazine. He thought it would strike a chord with his friends and decided to organize the local ride.

The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph 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.

Organizers say the ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured. Helmets are rquired, and riders are encouraged to wear black or red armbands.