Ride of Silence calls heed to bike safety
The three-year-old event is now celebrated worldwide.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BOARDMAN -- While most events set up for a particular cause usually seek to raise money, the Ride of Silence is committed to simply raising public awareness that motorists must share the road safely with bicyclists.
The ride was founded three years ago by Chris Phelan at White Rock Lake in Dallas, in memory of his friend Larry Schwartz, an endurance cyclist, who was killed on an empty road by the mirror of a passing bus.
The first ride drew 1,000 cyclists. Since then, the annual event has grown to include cities in America (in 47 states) and in China, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Europe. This year 256 cities, including Youngstown, committed to participate, with all riders beginning at 7 p.m., their local time, on Wednesday.
Local cyclists met by the Chili's restaurant at the Southern Park Mall. The event began with a few words by Rob Marino of Howland, speaking on behalf of the Wonders family of Warren. Garrett Wonders, who was in training to compete in the 2004 Olympics, was killed March 10, 2004, in Charleston, S.C. Wonders' brother Jesse, and his family, are in Charleston, where a bike lane will be dedicated in his name. Marino is a close friend of the Wonders family.
About the local ride
About 75 to 80 riders showed up to participate. They were briefed on specific instructions, including the request that there be no talking during the ride because the event is a memoriam to honor those who have been killed while biking.
The nine-mile route took the cyclists east on U.S. Route 224, to Tiffany Boulevard, then South Avenue, then back to 224, heading west to Lockwood Boulevard, and back to the mall.
The Youngstown ride was organized by Dan DeSalvo of Boardman, whose friend Dr. Bob Breedlove was killed while cycling. DeSalvo learned of the Ride of Silence through a newsletter, and contacted Phelan about setting up a local event. DeSalvo said about 700 people a year are killed in cycling accidents.
Janice JanJanin, a friend of DeSalvo's, assisted in organizing the event. She said she has only been cycling for about a month-and-a-half.
Eric Murray of Boardman has been biking for five or six years. "I think it is important for us to raise awareness that motorists need to be alert, to not only bikers, but pedestrians and children," he said. "I don't know anyone who has been killed while biking, but have a number of friends who have had near-misses."
Accident in Hawaii
Bob Cene Jr. of Canfield, however, has been a victim of a biking accident. Cene, who has been a cyclist for 10 years, was in Hawaii last October, training for the Iron Man Triathlon. "A car pulled out in front of me," he said. "I broke two of my ribs, tore ligaments in my neck, and fractured a vertebra. It was a blessing I was wearing my helmet, or I might not have made it." Cene said he is still recovering from the accident.
DeSalvo was pleased at the ride's success. "The weather cooperated, and we even had a rainbow," he said. "Motorists were very positive, either tooting their horns in support or waving to us. Everybody had a great, safe time."
For more information on the Ride of Silence, go to the Web site www.rideofsilence.org.