The West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance will sponsor a Ride of Silence on Wednesday, May 18, beginning at 7 p.m., for bicyclists who have been injured or killed on roadways. The event will include a silent, slow-paced ride for one hour. According to the WWBPA, the Ride of Silence is being sponsored simultaneously in many areas around the world.
In West Windsor, bicyclists are asked to meet at the West Windsor Municipal Complex on Clarksville Road at 6:45 p.m. to assemble for the ride. Cyclists are asked to ride no faster than 12 miles per hour and to remain silent during the ride. They are also asked to bring a bike in good riding condition, helmet, a spare tube, and ID. Bright clothing and lights are highly recommended.
The effort aims to “raise awareness among motorists that bicyclists are on the roads and are fragile,” says the WWBPA.
The Ride of Silence is free. The first Ride of Silence was held in 2003. Last year more than 300 rides were held in all 50 states and 18 countries and continents from Antarctica to Canada to China. For more information, visit www.RideofSilence.org. For more information on the WWBPA’s activities, visit www.wwbpa.org.
In addition to the Ride of Silence, the WWBPA will also be conducting a free “learn to bike” class at the West Windsor Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 21. The class will teach children to first balance without training wheels or pedals. Sessions will run continuously during the market, beginning at 9 a.m. Please arrive before noon (the farmers’ market ends at 1 p.m.).
Participants must be at least 5 years old (adults are welcome, too), and should bring a bicycle in good working order and a bike helmet (or buy a helmet from the WWBPA on the day for $10). Space is limited so pre-registration at wwbikeped@gmail.com is recommended.
