Ride of Silence set for May 16

To The Press

The annual Ride of Silence, to draw attention to bicycle safety and remember those who have been injured or killed while riding bicycles, will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 16.

The event  — a slow, quiet ride through the streets of Charles City — will begin and end at the Charles City High School parking lot. There is no registration and no fees. Anyone interested in participating is asked to gather at the starting site.

The local ride is part of a national event. Bob Krueger, who helps organize the local ride, said that last year nearly 8,000 people participated in 390 events in 50 states, in 22 countries and on 7 continents.

“Since the last Ride of Silence, there have been four cyclist fatalities and at least 11 injuries from incidents with motor vehicles in Iowa, three of those injuries in Mason City,” Krueger said.

Cyclists are asked to go no faster than 12 mph so everyone can keep up. They are also asked to wear helmets, follow traffic rules and remain silent during the ride.

“Please join us again this year to let all know that we share the road. Invite family, friends and coworkers,” Krueger said.