'Ride Of Silence' Aims To Make Big Statement

BROOKSVILLE - Bicycling advocates are always hopeful that motorists keep an eye out for those rolling along on two wheels.

But an annual event slated for Wednesday is meant to attract even more attention.

The Ride of Silence will roll from the Suncoast Trail to the Government Center in Brooksville to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured by run-ins with vehicles.

It's also meant to promote awareness among motorists that "cyclists do share the road with motor vehicles, that we're out there, too," said Steve Diez, Hernando County's bicycle/pedestrian coordinator and an avid cyclist.

The ride is similar to a funeral procession: Participants are asked to roll along single file, no faster than 12 miles per hour and not speak during the entire journey.

The first Ride of Silence took place in Dallas in 2003 as a tribute to endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz, who was killed on a ride after he was struck by the mirror of a passing truck, according to the event Web site, www.rideofsilence.org.

That first event drew 1,000 cyclists through word of mouth, according to the site.

It will be the second year Hernando County riders will take part in the event. Diez approached the county's Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee about the event two years ago and got a positive response.

Diez recommended that riders who plan to ride back to the Suncoast Trail bring lights and wear reflective gear since dusk will be approaching at that point.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: "Ride of Silence" to honor fallen cyclists and raise awareness of the need to share the road.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Ride begins at Suncoast Trail parking lot south of State Road 50 and proceeds to county courthouse in downtown Brooksville.

ADMISSION: Free; no registration required.

CONTACT: Steve Diez, Hernando County's bicycle/pedestrian coordinator, 754-4057.