Texas Ride of Silence: Share the Road Spotlight

When I first heard the term "Ride of Silence" I didn't know what it was about. However, I learned from Jill Christie with the Texas Department of Transportation what the ride is all about.

So here goes,  after a nationally known amateur cyclist named Larry Schwartz had been killed when he was riding his bicycle and was hit by a school bus on a wide-open empty road. The first Ride of Silence occurred in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.

In 2003, thousands of cyclists showed up in the DFW area to honor the memory of Larry Schwartz by riding, they are bringing attention to the dangers cyclists face when they ride on the open roads. Since the very first ride, it has grown tremendously.

It is now an international event and is done on the third Wednesday in May during National Bicycle Month. The ride encourages all participants to ride in silence, no faster than 10 to 12 mph, and wear all the appropriate riding apparel including riding helmets.

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While the national Ride of Silence doesn't have a set length, organizers say it's a short five-mile ride for Abilene participants. The main focus is to raise awareness among all motorists and remind one another that we must all share the road.

The Ride of Silence in Abilene is free and riders must be over the age of 14 to participate. The ride starts at McMurry Univesity at 7 pm, and organizers asked that everyone arrive by 6:15 pm. The most important part is, that we must all remember to share the road and be kind to one another.

To sign up, participate, or learn more go to Ride Of Silence.org.