The Ride of Silence - Wednesday, May 13th

[Rage]

From QC TAG (Quad Cities Transportation Advocacy Group)

* * * * *
The Ride of Silence is a national bike ride in memory and in tribute to all bicyclists who have been killed, hurt, or have had close calls while riding on our streets and roadways alongside motorized vehicles.

This year especially, with the August, 2008 death of Dr Craig Schultz and the 2004 death of Dave Holmes, we have good cause to honor our dead bicyclist friends and silently proclaim our right to safely use the streets and roads of our country.

To boost public awareness to the fact that motorists must learn to share the road with bicyclists, we will Ride in Silence on May 13 starting at 6:30 in the evening.

This is NOT a Critical Mass Ride. There are no shirts or items for sale, there are no fees or registration. The ride is ridden at a normal/slow pace, and is Silent. Participants obey all the rules of the road and traffic laws. They do not ignore stop signs and lights, and only ride two abreast when the law allows.

It’s not just a club ride. It’s a ride for moms, dads, brothers and sisters, family and friends, beginning cyclists, and racers: anyone who wishes to honor fellow cyclist who while out riding have been killed or injured by a motorist. The ride lets vehicle drivers know they MUST Share the Road with us.

Please join the Ride of Silence in the Quad Cities.

When: Wednesday, May 13, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Assemble at the Botanical Center parking lot in Rock Island.
Route: Riders will ride together in the downtowns of Rock Island and Davenport for about 6 to 8 miles
Riders may also ride the Mississippi River trail if they care to.
Preparation: Dress in bright biking clothes, wear a helmet, and bring a light if you plan to ride home. Prepare to be SILENT.

The Ride of Silence is a part of this year's Alt Trans Week – May 9 to 15. For more information go to quad.cities.tag.googlepages.com

[dru_b]

anyone gonna do this ride? i don't wanna ride with a bunch of roadies i don't know, no offense qcbc'ers.

[Home Grown Turtle]

I am interested if there are other MTB'ers riding... I don't want to ride with all roadies either though. Also no offense to you QCBC'ers.

[Rage]

The essential definition of "no offense" is "I know I'm going to offend you but I won't stop myself from saying this."

But I'm not offended, so you can count on one QCBC member who plans to be there.

Rg.

[dru_b]

rage, you are so right... that's pretty much exactly it, but what do ya do. i will be riding the fixie so i'm not sure just exactly what categorie that fits under.

[AG]

It's just a ride. Show up with a bike and show your support. I'll be there

[Gunchie]

May want to bring a rain jacket too. Even though riding in complete silence will probably be the hardest thing I've every done (yes, I talk when ride even when I'm alone), I'm in. Shall we wear our FORC jersey's to show that us MTBers care about the safety of our fellow road riders?

[dru_b]

i want to clarify that there is no hate against the road riders as i ride them alot myself. i was just wondering if i would see familiar faces there to ride with this time. sorry for any misunderstanding.

[Home Grown Turtle]

I apologize for any hard feelings. I didn't want to be an odd ball, well any more of an odd ball, for riding my mountain bike. I have no hate for anyone because of the kind of bike they ride. In the future I'll be less plain and more concise w/ my posts. Sorry again. :o

[dru_b]

is the ride still on with the weather?

[Gunchie]

Not sure, but if we show up and no one is there Bent and Blue Cat are close by!

[LM5]

There shouldn't be too much rain maybe a drizzle or two according to the radar.

I'm thinking I'm gonna bring my mountain bike instead of my road bike since it handles better in wet stuff and this is a short, slow ride.

[SweetSVT99]

There shouldn't be too much rain maybe a drizzle or two according to the radar.

I'm thinking I'm gonna bring my mountain bike instead of my road bike since it handles better in wet stuff and this is a short, slow ride.

That's funny, I was just looking at the radar thinking the exact opposite, then it started pouring here in West Dport... I too was going to bring my MTB, but I may just bring my wallet to Blue Cat instead.

[dru_b]

i wussed out for the weather..... all that for nothin.

[Rage]

The threat of bad weather kept the bikes in the shop last night. Just the same, FORC had a great turnout at the Ride of Silence - 7 of 10 riders were tied into our club.

Way to represent!

Rg.