Last evening I participated in a Ride of Silence sponsored by Centre Region Bicycle Coalition. Nationwide, cyclists took to the roads last evening at 7pm 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.
Relieved to not be the only off-road cyclist there, the group of centre region cyclists was diverse in age and cycling focus. Wearing arm bands of black (to honor bicylcists killed by motorists) and or red (to signify incurred injury by motorists while biking), 40 of us gathered at the College and Allen intersection in downtown State College. With police escort, we made our way single file through 5 miles of downtown's most congested streets. We kept the pace slow, 10 - 20 mph, as we made a silent statement of what I hope makes the public more aware consequently eliminating the need for another Ghost Bike to be erected locally or anywhere.
The ride took a little over a half of an hour in the chilly spring air. The rain graciously held off and allowed me to sometimes take in my surroundings instead of dodging puddles or blinded motorists. Some onlookers may have thought it was a protest against the price of gas or to unify biking commuters. Some cheered "Yay bikers!" or "Hold out your hand, I'll pass you a beer." Riding toward the end of the line of bicycles, it wasn't until we made a slow gentle curve along Westerly Parkway that I realized the visual impact such a long string of cyclists made. It helped me understand why the majority of the onlooker's stood in thoughtful silence as we made our way past them.
Waiting for the police escort to arrive at College & Allen
