Oklahomans take a 'Ride of Silence' as part of international movement
Local cyclists recently took part in the 2024 Ride of Silence, an annual multi-location, international bicycle ride to commemorate cyclists who have been killed on public roadways and to support cyclists who have been injured while riding on public roads.
The ride, which began on Wednesday at the state Capitol, was also held to raise awareness among motorists, the public and elected leaders about the dangers cyclists face on the roads.
John Wente, membership chairman of the Oklahoma Bicycle Society, said the Ride of Silence is held on the evening of the third Wednesday in May. He said in the United States, the League of American Bicyclists promotes this event side by side with national Bike Month and Bike-to-Work Day, held on the third Friday in May.
Wente said the first Ride of Silence was organized by Chris Phelan in 2003 in Dallas, Texas, and many participants found the experience to be very moving. He said although the ride was conceived as a one-time event, it has been repeated every year since then.
Cyclists in cities around the globe have joined this movement and Wente said it has grown each year, with about 400 locations participating, mostly in the United States, but typically on all seven continents, including Antarctica. In 2013, the 10th anniversary, Ride of Silence events were held in 26 countries.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma cyclists participate in Ride of Silence near Capitol in OKC
