Ride of Silence in Springfield Leader

A Springfield Leader article outlines the reason for the Ride of Silence, which was held in four locations across Missouri in May:

"If our public officials, our police, started treating bicycling more seriously, drivers would take it more seriously."

In Springfield, a group of 17 riders took part in a 12-mile "Ride of Silence" following city bike routes.

The ride's main rule was the normally talkative cyclists keep quiet. . . .

While the Ride of Silence was intended to make the public aware of bicycle safety, making cycling safer is a two-way proposition, Hugh said.

"I think if our public officials, our police, started treating bicycling more seriously, drivers would take it more seriously," he said. "A lot of times, the officials give the impression that if you're walking or biking on the street, you're not supposed to be there, you're an interloper."

And cyclists have responsibilities, he said.

"The other half, and it's surprising, by educating the bicyclists, you can prevent an amazing amount of accidents and problems," he said.

Evangel University associate professor Bill Griffin says that while having to cross or ride on some of Springfield's busiest streets can be a barrier to bike commuting, part of the problem is that there aren't enough people riding bicycles to work.

If there were more bicycle commuters, they'd be more apparent to motorists, said Griffin, who bikes to work.

Hugh agrees.

"Some of the studies have shown that if twice as many people start bicycling, the safety improves dramatically," he said. "The same is true of walking."