RADFORD – On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, cyclists from across the New River Valley will gather for the 16th Annual Ride of Silence – a silent, slow-paced ride in honor of cyclists who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.
Staging will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Radford City Administrative Services Building, 10 Robertson St., and end at the same location. The Ride of Silence is a solemn and powerful global event that brings attention to the dangers cyclists face on the road and the need for increased awareness and safety measures. The ride is conducted in silence to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives while cycling and to raise awareness of the importance of sharing the road. The ride is also a reminder of the dangers that cyclists face on public roads.
In 2022, there were 825 cyclists killed in the United States. That number has been on the rise in recent years. The event is open and accessible to cyclists of all ages and abilities, and participants are encouraged to wear helmets and other safety gear.
There will be a police escort along the seven-mile route. For more information about the Ride of Silence, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/3181867088724505.
Submitted by Jenn Million, President of the New River Valley Bicycle Association