Ride of Silence attracts bicyclists across Missouri

Between 40 & 50 riders rode the Kansas City Ride of Silence yesterday. About th same number participated in St. Louis.

The ride is designed to be a safe, responsible, professional and mature response to the aggressiveness, intimidation, and carnage that cyclists face on the roads we ride.

Thanks to all those across Missouri who organized, supported, and came out to ride!

Laurie Chipman and the Greater Kansas City Bicycle Federation organized the Kansas City ride, Tim Rand, Patrick VDB and the St. Louis Regional Bicycle Federation supported the St. Louis Ride, and Martin Pion, Caryn Giarratano, and Ralph Rognstad organized rides in Ferguson, Jefferson City, and Springfield, respectively.

The ride received press coverage in Kansas City infoZine, the Riverfront Times, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and others.

Tim Rand weighed in with this letter in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

Why do some motorists threaten or yell at bicyclists? Because bicyclists make motorists share the road. Sharing the road requires adjustments: slowing down, changing lanes, being cautious and staying alert.

Bicycles are vehicles that legally are entitled to ride on the public roadways of Missouri. Bicyclists are obligated to follow the same rules and guidelines that govern people operating a motor vehicle on a public roadway.

So what can we do to share the roads? The message is a simple one, intended for motorists and bicyclists alike: Please operate your vehicle as if your life and others' lives depend on it. Obey the rules of the road.

Thanks to everyone who rode in the Ride of Silence on May 18 to raise awareness of people killed or injured while bicycling on public roads. Efforts such as this will improve the safety for all users of our streets.