Ride of Silence, Wednesday, May 19, 7:00PM

DATE: Wednesday, May 19, 2010
TIME: 7:00 pm
WHERE: Central Park, downtown Mason City

Join cyclists worldwide in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph/20 kph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.

WHY DOES THIS ORGANIZATION EXIST?
•To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
•To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
•To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD


THE RIDE OF SILENCE WILL NOT BE QUIET
On May 19, 2010, at 7:00 PM local time, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. The 2003 Ride of Silence at White Rock Lake in Dallas drew 1,000 cyclists through word of mouth and email communication over a period of only ten days. There was no registration and no fees. Local media reported the ride to be incredibly moving as these cyclists rode in silence, occasionally wiping away a tear or patting a friend on the back. In 2009, there were over 15,000 participants in nearly 300 locations across the globe.

The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. There are no sponsors and no registration fees. The ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.

This will be the 5th year for the Ride of Silence in Mason City. It seems particularly important this year with the bicycle safety measures signed into effect by Governor Culver on May 3. These measures include a requirement for a safe passing distance when overtaking a bicycle and a prohibition to throwing objects at cyclists. The Ride in Mason City has full support of the Mason City Police Department and will be led by an officer on a bike. Rides are being held in 7 cities and towns in Iowa, in 49 states, and 21 other countries. Last year, nearly 15,000 people participated worldwide.

Please join us on Wednesday, May 19, at 7:00PM at Central Park for a slow, silent, 6-mile ride through the streets and parks of Mason City. All that is required is a bike and a helmet.

For more information, please contact Steven Schurtz at sschurtz3@mchsi.com or 641-430-1745. If you would like a Ride of Silence poster to print and display at your play of work, etc., please email me, and I will respond with a .pdf document.

www.rideofsilence.org