Ride of Silence promotes driver and cyclist safety

TOLEDO, Ohio — Warmer temperatures mean an increase in the number of two-wheeled vehicles on the roads and data from the National Safety Council Injury Facts found that bicycle-related deaths peak during the hottest months of the year.

To honor those who have been injured and died while cycling on public roads, a silent ride was organized to remind cyclists and drivers of safety.

The Ride of Silence is an international event that takes place in the United States on the third Wednesday in May at 7 p.m.

This is a free event open to all ages. Locally, Toledo and Bowling Green will host the ride starting at 6:30 p.m. at University of Toledo Parking Lot 2 and Bowling Green City Park.

Raj Nagisetty, transportation planner for the Metro Toledo Council of Governments, said that while it is a difficult and sad topic, it is important to emphasize the importance of these victims and their safety .

“In my own experience, I have had problems with drivers not paying attention to the three-foot rule,” Nagisetty said. “It’s a safety buffer.”

Although bike lanes and sidewalks are mostly available in many areas, he said drivers must share the roadway with cyclists.

“Bikes are a vehicle. We have a right to be on the road,” Nagisetty said.

While this fact is true, another fact from the 2021 NSC data reveals that almost 70% of bicycle deaths occurred in motor vehicle crashes.

Overall, figures over the past 10 years have shown an increase in preventable deaths from bicycle transport incidents. Nagisetty said these details are why TMACOG has been holding this Ride of Silence for 14 years.

“The idea is to show that we are part of traffic. It’s not just about a car versus a bike, we’re talking about people,” Nagisetty said. “It’s the cyclists’ job to be visible, make sure you have your rear reflectors and extra flashing lights.”

He added that cyclists should be predictable on the road and communicate too often about turns and stops.

Nagisetty said The Ride of Silence would be a strong reminder by physically forcing drivers to watch out for cyclists.

He noted that the Toledo ride had nearly 100 cyclists and the Bowling Green ride had at least 50. This is the 15th year the Metropolitan Toledo Council of Governments has hosted the ride for the region.