Bicycle Accident Victims To Be Honored In Ride Of Silence
CHICAGO (WBBM/CBS) -- Those killed while riding a bicycle will be honored worldwide Wednesday night in the annual Chicagoland Ride of Silence event.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Mary Frances Bragiel reports, those participating in the 10-mile Ride of Silence event will be seen all everywhere, according to organizer Elizabeth Adamczyk. It's not just taking place in Illinois.
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"It's on all seven continents around the world, and all 50 states hosting locations," Adamczyk said, "and there's probably several ride locations we don't even know about."
The point is to honor those cyclists injured or killed while riding on public roadways. The ride began in 2003 in Dallas, after a local bicyclist lost a friend in an accident.
Adamczyk admits improvements have been made when it comes to the sharing of the roadways, but she says more needs to be done.
"So many times that I have not been passed with the three-foot passing rule – motorists don't understand that I'm trying to stay out of the door zone," Adamczyk said.
The bicycle sightseeing tour agency Bobby's Bike Hike is offering discounted bike rentals for the night of the Ride of Silence, using the coupon code SILENTRIDE2011. The discount will be valid for overnight rentals that cyclists will pick up between 4 and 6 p.m. Wednesday, and drop off before noon Thursday.
Cyclists will gather for the ride at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Daley Plaza. Rides are also planned in Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Downers Grove, Evanston, Joliet, Oak Park, and several Illinois cities outside the Chicago area.
