Hundreds Take To The Road For Annual Ride of Silence
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Cyclists from all over the world took to the road on the same night for a global bike ride that started in North Texas.
The annual "Ride of Silence" honors cyclists who were killed or injured while riding. The intent is to bring awareness to drivers to pay attention and share the road. The world-wide ride all began after the death of cyclists Larry Schwartz back in 2003. Schwartz was killed after a school bus struck him while on a ride.
"I just thought, this was one passing that shouldn't be let go. There should be a demarcation, there should be a stake in the ground," said Chris Phelan, who organized the ride.
Angry about the passing of his friend, Phelan fired off an email to fellow riders in Dallas.
"It was short, quite terse. It said something to the effect, 'I'm going down to White Rock Lake. Hope you join me. I'm going to ride for Larry,'" said Phelan.
One message and 13 years later, the "Ride of Silence" has grown from Dallas to all seven continents, including Antarctica. "It's, it's unbelievable. It's amazing," said Phelan.
Cyclists Kelly Duval road on Wednesday for the three cycling friends she has lost over the years who were killed by cars.
"There are so many people around and all you hear are the bikes and the noises of the bikes. And you don't hear the people. It's eerie and it's somber," said Duval.
The ride is as much about look back as it is about looking forward. The riders hope their silence speaks to drivers to pay attention and share the road.
"The people that are not here don't have that voice. They can't stand up and speak for themselves," said Duval.
Phelan said even if just one person take notice and makes a change, the death of his friends and the many other fallen cyclists might not hurt so much. "Ok I'm going to give this guy a break. I'm going to be more than three-feet away from him. It's a hope," said Phelan.
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