2015 Ride of Silence
One was a young child riding home from school. One was a middle aged man riding his bike home from work in the evening. One was an older woman crossing the street on one of her daily errands, walking because she no longer drove due to age. None of the three knew either of the others, they lived in different parts of the city, came from different socio-economic backgrounds, yet all shared one overriding commonality. Each was struck and killed, or critically injured, by the driver of a motor vehicle. One driver was allowed to drive even after receiving multiple citations for speeding and reckless driving. Another drove negligently, by paying more attention to her phone than to the road. One was so morally deprived that they did not bother to stop and render aid, did not wait for the arrival of either law enforcement or emergency medical personnel, but chose the cowardly way and ran after striking his victim.
Hundreds, thousands of similar stories play out around the world every year. Each of these violent ends leave multiple times those numbers, family and friends, with sudden and gaping holes in their lives.
This is the reason the annual Ride of Silence has evolved into the worldwide day of remembrance that it has become. I hope you made it out to one of the many that took place across the Southern California region, or beyond, where-ever you live. It was worth shrugging off any other ride you may normally do on this one Wednesday night in May.
Hundreds, thousands of similar stories play out around the world every year. Each of these violent ends leave multiple times those numbers, family and friends, with sudden and gaping holes in their lives.
see the duck. not sure if there was some hidden meaning that escaped me, but she was not afraid, and was welcomed into the group
Cecil reminding everyone why we were gathered
This is the reason the annual Ride of Silence has evolved into the worldwide day of remembrance that it has become. I hope you made it out to one of the many that took place across the Southern California region, or beyond, where-ever you live. It was worth shrugging off any other ride you may normally do on this one Wednesday night in May.
We were fortunate to have two local Rides of Silence this year - the long standing one organized by the Cycling Connection in Rancho Cucamonga, and a new one right here in Claremont. A third, in Pasadena, was far from distant as well.
Big thanks to Ben (I believe it is Ben), who suggested the Ride in Claremont, to Cecil for leading, and to the Claremont Cycling Club (CCC), with whom both Ben and Cecil ride, for hosting. Once we had all gathered Cecil reminded everyone why we were there, why we were riding. It was good to see so many clustered around, listening intently, then setting off and, true to the intent of the Ride, pedaling the fifteen miles in thoughtful silence.
Big thanks to Ben (I believe it is Ben), who suggested the Ride in Claremont, to Cecil for leading, and to the Claremont Cycling Club (CCC), with whom both Ben and Cecil ride, for hosting. Once we had all gathered Cecil reminded everyone why we were there, why we were riding. It was good to see so many clustered around, listening intently, then setting off and, true to the intent of the Ride, pedaling the fifteen miles in thoughtful silence.
heading west along Baseline
gathering at San Dimas Canyon Park
Comments
Post a Comment