On Wednesday, May 21 at 7 p.m., Medford’s Freedom Park will be host to the local starting and ending point for the 11th anniversary of the National Ride of Silence. On this day, cyclists worldwide will take to the roads in a slow, silent procession to honor fellow cyclists who have been killed or injured while biking on public roads. The Ride of Silence also strives to bring attention to bicycle safety as well as show that cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists. The motoring public, police and city officials often aren’t aware of these rights, and sometimes are not aware of the cyclists themselves.
This is the 11th year of the National Ride of Silence and the second year the Medford chapter will ride. The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 miles per hour and remain silent during the ride. The event will start at 7 p.m. at Freedom Park. Participants are asked to arrive 30 minutes early to allow for parking and registering for the ride. Cyclists must also have safe and operable bicycles, a safe helmet, and be able to make the eight-mile ride under their own power.
In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. Since then the ride has grown into a worldwide event.
Last year was the first Ride of Silence for the Medford chapter. Members of all major local bicycling clubs participated. Organizers are anticipating that over 100 cyclists will be participating in this year’s ride. The ride will follow a pre-determined route through Medford.
“Unfortunately, there are far too many people who have lost a loved one or friend in a tragic auto and bike accident,” said Medford chiropractor Brett A. Wartenberg. ”After suffering a near fatal accident myself in 2006, I want to create as much awareness as possible about road and bicycle safety.”
According to New Jersey State Police, there have been 146 fatal bicycle-automobile injuries in New Jersey from 2002 through 2011. There are many, many more that are seriously injured. For example in Michigan in one year there were 2,188 reported accidents between automobiles and bicycles. The largest percentage of fatalities occurred in two demographics, children 11 to 15 years of age and adults 45 to 54 years of age.
Many drivers are not aware that bicycles are legally required to ride in the streets and roads and not on sidewalks.” Wartenberg said.
A brief ceremony remembering family and loved ones who lost their lives while riding bicycles will be held, followed by ride protocol and safety instructions. This event is sponsored by Medford Township and the Rock-it-Riders Bicycle Club, and is supported by the Medford Police Department. Medford Police will be stopping traffic along the route so the ride will be safe and clear. Bicycle mechanics will also be on hand to check bikes before the ride. Industry related and safety vendors will be on hand as well.
The ride will return to Freedom Park around 8:30 p.m. There, vendors, informational tables, and activities will be available from 6 to 9 p.m. for the participants and all supporters of this awareness effort. For more information and to register go to: Medford Ride of Silence Facebook page, www.rideofsilence.org/main.php, or www.facebook.com/RockItRiders?fref=ts
For additional information please contact Beth Portocalis, at (609) 654–2608 ext. 338 or email bportocalis@medfordtownship.com.
