Local cyclists Bill Adamson and Jim Jordan plan the first Ride of Silence with Lieutenant L.T. Pratt.
The Ride of Silence is held each year on the third Wednesday in May at more than 300 locations in the United States plus many international locations. In 2003, Chris Whelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after his friend and endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. This year May 20 will mark the tenth observance in the Green Valley/Sahuarita Community. The goals of this ride are to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured on our highways, raise awareness to the existence of cyclists and to ask that we all share the road.
The idea of observing the first area Ride of Silence was proposed by the local Santa Cruz Bicycle Advocate Committee as a means of honoring local cyclist and friend Fred Hettig who had been fatally injured on Old Nogales Highway only months earlier. About 20 cyclists gathered at the GVR West Center on May 18, 2005, and began their silent ride to the south. They proceeded south on Camino del Sol to use bike lanes that had recently been established. Escort was provided by two members of the Pima County Sheriff Motor Unit which was arranged by Sergeant Eric Thompson. Sergeant ‘Eric’ was the first Sheriff liaison to the bike committee. Since then the Ride of Silence has started at the GVR East Center and close to one hundred cyclists have regularly participated.
On May 20 riders will once again meet at the GVR East Social Center and ride north on La Canada at a slow pace and in complete silence, returning on Abrego Road. Riders are encouraged to assemble at 5:30 p.m. and enjoy light refreshments before leaving on the ride at 6:00 p.m.