Ride of Silence returns to recognize cyclists, more | News, Sports, Jobs – SANIBEL-CAPTIVA

SANIBEL BICYCLE CLUB The Sanibel Bicycle Club will hold its annual Ride of Silence on May 15 at 7 p.m., beginning and ending at Sanibel Community Park in Sanibel. Participation is free and open to the community.

An annual event in Sanibel planned for next week will commemorate cyclists who have been injured or killed while riding their bikes, and also raise awareness about the importance of sharing the road.

Held since 2008 on the island, the Ride of Silence will take place on May 15 at 7 p.m., beginning and ending at Sanibel Community Park in Sanibel. Organized by the Sanibel Bicycle Club and sponsored by Billy’s Bikes, the route will follow the city’s shared-use trail for approximately 4 miles.

“We are part of what is a global event” said club president Allison Havill.

The first Ride of Silence was organized by Chris Phelan in 2003 in Dallas, Texas, after cyclist Larry Schwartz was struck by the rearview mirror of a passing bus and killed. It attracted 1,000 participating cyclists.

Today, hundreds of events take place on the third Wednesday in May at 7 p.m.

“It’s about honoring cyclists who have been injured or killed on our nation’s roads, which unfortunately continues to grow, and also to raise awareness about bicycle safety for both drivers and cyclists.” she says.

Cyclists have the right to use the road and are considered a vehicle like any other.

“We are all here to share the road” Havill said. “And be respectful.”

Open to the community, the Sanibel route will head east on Periwinkle Way, then south on Casa Ybel Road, following it until it turns into West Gulf Drive. At Tarpon Bay Road, the group will head north and reconnect with Periwinkle. Participants will move east again and return to the park.

“All members of the community are invited to join us” she says. “We actually encourage that.”

The slow-paced ride will be conducted in silence in recognition of the occasion.

“It’s a silent journey. No conversation, no chatter. » Havill said. “Riders of all levels are welcome.”

The Sanibel Police Department provides escort and traffic control at railroad crossings.

“The police have always been great” she says.

Those interested in participating must arrive at the park by 6:45 p.m. to sign up and check in. They will have to wear a helmet and sign a waiver; headphones, headphones and the like will not be permitted.

Billy’s Bikes will provide safety vests at the starting point, as well as water and extra helmets.

“If you have your own helmet, bring it. » Havill said.

There will also be information about the club and the possibility of joining.

The island is invited to come out and participate.

“Being part of the community, helping to honor those who have been killed or injured, helping to raise awareness about bike safety” she says. “And to encourage others to participate in sport. Cycling is good exercise and a good means of transportation around the island.

For more information, visit https://sanibelbicycleclub.org/.

Sanibel Community Park is located at 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

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IF YOU ARE GOING TO

What

Annual walk of silence

When

May 15 at 7 p.m.; arrive at 6:45 p.m.

Or

Sanibel Community Park, 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel

Details

Free and open to the public