'Ride Of Silence' Aims To Raise Safe Biking Awareness

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Every year, nearly 19,000 American cyclists are injured in accidents involving a car.

That is why a national effort called "The Ride of Silence" is being held across the country to promote safe biking.

They gather with a common interest and a mutual respect for each other as cyclists. Some are recreational riders, while others are serious bikers.

"We have families. We have jobs. We have hopes and aspirations. We want to just get where we are going safely. Sometimes we are just out there having fun and trying to get some exercise and trying to get some fresh air in our lungs and enjoy our day. Just be patient and drive with care," Bike Pittsburgh Executive Director Scott Bricker said.

That is why they participate in this week's Ride of Silence to remember the men and women who have been injured or killed riding their bikes in Pittsburgh.

"More friends than I can count on both hands and feet have been hit by a cars, and there have been a number of people who have died in Pittsburgh and in other cities especially recently so I'm riding for them," Rachel Dingfelder said.

It's not someone else's problem either.

City Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak takes dozens of calls dealing with traffic troubles from drivers, bikers and pedestrians who are all asked to share the road.

"These traffic fatalities that happen on our roads, they are preventable. So, this is a public safety issue and it's a public health issue," Rudiak said.

While rides like this one help to spread their plea there still is more work to be done.