Chicago Ride of Silence™ to be held May 16, 2018

One day. One time. Worldwide.
In collaboration with Vision Zero Chicago

We ride…
* To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
* To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
* To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

On Wednesday, May 16th Chicago cyclists will join fellow cyclists around the world on an
annual bicycle ride in silence to raise awareness of cyclists’ right to ride on the road and
to honor the fallen cyclists no longer with us. The 2018 Chicago Ride of Silence will
collaborate with the Vision Zero Chicago initiative that aims to eliminate traffic crashes
that cause death and serious injury through an equitable distribution of resources and
inclusive community engagement. The initial Ride of Silence was founded in Dallas,
Texas, in 2003; the first Chicago Ride of Silence was in 2005.

“We ride each year to honor the lives and memories of each and every cyclist who has
been needlessly killed here in Chicago and throughout the world in traffic crashes,” said
Chicago Organizer Elizabeth Adamczyk.

Beginning in Daley Plaza, Chicago’s Ride of Silence™ route will ride in silent procession
to the West Side, where a ghost bike was recently placed at the site of Louis Ray Smith’s
death in June 2016. Ghost Bikes are powerful memorials to fallen cyclists created by
painting a bicycle white and placing it at or near the site of the cyclist’s death. The Ride
will end at Keating Law Office (825 N. Milwaukee) across from the Ghost Bike of Lisa
Kuivinen, near the intersection of Milwaukee and Racine on the city’s near north side.
According to Adamczyk, Illinois has more than a dozen Rides occurring this year. “This
event unites everyone who seeks safer roadways for all. While we mourn the loss of so
many fellow cyclists, we celebrate the unity of the community and the joy of riding a
bike,” said Adamczyk.

The ride organizers request that black armbands be worn and red armbands if you have
had a bike/motor vehicle accident. Helmets are required; bright clothing and lights are
highly recommended for the ride home. There are no fees charged to participate.

The Ride will conclude with a post-ride reception at 825 Milwaukee (Keating Law
Office), rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, participants are asked to gather
at the post-ride reception location for refreshments, snacks, and more information
about Chicago’s Vision Zero initiative.

The Ride of Silence is held in many locations in the US, Canada, Australia, Europe,
South and Central America and the rest of the world. This year there are over 300
locations registered throughout the world.

Details:
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
6PM Gather; 6:30 PM Departure
Start: Daley Plaza; Eternal Flame
Finish: Ghost Bike at Milwaukee and Racine (Lisa Kuivinen); post-ride gathering at
Keating Law Office (825 Milwaukee Ave); all are welcome
Details on route: www.rideofsilence.org/chicago

ABOUT THE RIDE OF SILENCE

Mission Statement:
The mission of the worldwide Ride of Silence™ is to honor bicyclists killed by motorists,
promote sharing the road, and provide awareness of bicycling safety.

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Founder and President Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas in
2003 after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was killed by a passing bus’s mirror on an
empty road.

The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph for
no longer than an hour

The ride hopes to raise cycling awareness during bike safety month to motorists, police,
traffic engineers, insurance companies, and city officials. The ride is also a chance to
mourn, in funeral procession style, those who have already been killed.

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