372 events in 50 states of the USA, 48 countries on seven continents – the Ride for Silence happened in mid-May, a silent bike ride to honor the memories of cyclists who have been killed or injured on public roadways.
The Ride for Silence began in 2003, organized by Chris Phelan in Dallas after endurance cyclists Larry Schwartz was clipped by the mirror of a passing bus and died from his injuries. The ride is held during National Bike Month and asks cyclists to ride slowly (no faster the 12mph), to wear helmets, to follow the rules of the road and to remain silent during the whole ride.
By holding these events, cyclists aim to raise awareness that cyclists have just as much right to be in public roadways and to remind drivers to share the road.
Sharing the Road – How You, as a Driver, Can Help Protect Cyclists from Injury or Death
About 700 people die every year in bicycle accidents and 45,000 are injured. Recreational and competitive cycling have exploded in popularity and the number of people who commute by bike is estimated to have risen 43 percent since the turn of the century. Here are just a few tips to help you, as a driver, prevent future cyclists from losing their lives:
- When making a turn, always take the extra two seconds to make sure cyclists are not passing.
- Never block bike lanes with your car.
- It’s illegal (currently – that may soon change) for cyclists to blow through stop signs, or fail to stop completely and roll slowly through, but it is still a common occurrence. If the Idaho Stop, as it is known, does become legal, you should be prepared to check for cyclists before making any maneuvers at stop signs. Even if it does not, it is still a good practice to check.
- When you are about to exit your car, make sure you are not opening your door into a cyclist’s path.
- A little patience can save a life.