Ride of Silence Reflections: Harrisburg, PA
We united on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, for the Ride of Silence on all types of bikes, ages, and abilities. We represented many different reasons why we bike, fitness, recovery, pleasure and for some of us the only means of transportation. We aimed to bring awareness that we are here, and it is our legal right to share the road. We ask drivers not to view us as a nuisance, but people just like them getting from point A to B. We too must take responsibility for our safety on the road. Obey the traffic laws of a moving vehicle, have working brakes, lights and wear a helmet.
We rode in silence … to honor the 27 cyclists who have been killed while cycling on Pennsylvania public roadways in 14 counties last year and the hundreds injured. We were not alone.
In more than 250 worldwide locations, 40 states, 16 countries and on 5 continents ... thousands of cyclists united doing the same.
In 2003 Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas Texas after Larry Schwartz an endurance rider was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and killed.
We appreciated everyone coming out to support us. Recycle Bicycle, Pedego Harrisburg and the Harrisburg Bicycle Club for their financial support. This was a free event open to everyone. The biking community was well represented – Harrisburg Bicycle Club, Recycle Bicycle, Bikelisie, Strong HBG, HBG Bike Crew, PennDOT, Pedego, Holmes and others. A 100 total, Press and spectators embodied our biking family at the event.
A very deserved and special thank you to the bike police from the Harrisburg, Capitol and Swatara Police Departments. Their assistance and support escorting us to the Harrisburg Capitol Steps safely was deeply appreciated. Their participation united two groups in a positive and purposeful way.
As we rode in, we were joined by more bikers from our second staring location in Camp Hill, PA. The majestic sounds from Keith Possinger a bagpiper embodied the experience.
We placed flowers by the 27 white ghost bikes and one red bike that symbolized the hundreds of injured. A poem written by Mike Murgas was read at our ceremony and at the others worldwide.
After the event the flowers were collected and dried as wreaths to use for Hospice.
Four local television stations and one from Erie, PA covered the event from early morning to the late-night news. They interviewed many participants and capture the emotional ride. The story was so impactful that they ran some clips the next day.
If you want more information about this international event. Check out: https://rideofsilence.org
Click the button below to see the photo album for the event
2024 Ride of Silence