Ride of Silence

History Ride of Silence

The Ride of Silence is a yearly international bicycle ride to commemorate cyclists killed or injured while riding on public roads. It helps to raise awareness among motorists of the dangers they pose to cyclists.

The first ride was held in Dallas, Texas in 2003. Many participants found the experience to be very moving. Although it was conceived as a one-time event, it has been repeated every year since then. Cyclists in cities around the globe have joined this movement. It has grown each year, 2004 through 2007, with 50, 120, 223, and 272 cities participating.

The Ride of Silence is held on the 3rd Wednesday in May. The League of American Bicyclists is promoting this event side-by-side with the national Bike-to-Work Day, held on the 3rd Friday in May.

In 2008, the ride was held on May 21 at 7 p.m. local time. As of May 21, 2008, there were 288 confirmed rides.