Sanibel will take part in a global event next week that commemorates cyclists who have been injured and killed while riding a bike, as well as raises awareness about the importance of sharing the road.<\/p>\n
Held since 2008 on the island, the Annual Ride of Silence will take place on May 20 at 7 p.m. starting and ending at the Sanibel Community Park on Sanibel. Organized and hosted by the Sanibel Bicycle Club and Billy\u2019s Bikes, the route \u2014 which is about 4.5 miles \u2014 will follow the city\u2019s Shared Use Path.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe participate to bring the focus to the safety of cyclists and motorists while cycling,\u201d club President Jim Meyer said.<\/p>\n
The first Ride of Silence was organized by Chris Phelan in 2003 in Dallas, Texas, after cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and killed. It drew 1,000 participating cyclists.<\/p>\n
Today, events are held around the world on the third Wednesday in May at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n
The Sanibel event is open to the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe encourage the public to attend, no matter what level of cyclist you are, because it will help you realize the need for safety and caution both on bikes and in nearby vehicles,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
About 30 people took part in last year\u2019s ride.<\/p>\n
Those planning to participate should arrive before 6:45 p.m.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll have a brief introduction of the club members who will lead the ride,\u201d Meyer said. \u201cWe will discuss the history and the meaning of the ride.\u201d<\/p>\n
Non-club members will have to sign a waiver.<\/p>\n
The route will head east on Periwinkle Way and then south on Casa Ybel Road, turning into West Gulf Drive. At Tarpon Bay Road, it will travel north to Periwinkle and then east again to return to the park.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a deliberately slow ride,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is, as it suggests, a ride of silence.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Sanibel Police Department will assist with traffic control.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny type of bike is welcome,\u201d Meyer said.<\/p>\n
All participants will be required to wear a helmet.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe prefer, obviously, no cell phone usage,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Billy\u2019s Bikes will have water, some safety vests and a few spare helmets for those who need one.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you to Billy\u2019s Bikes for being a partner to the cycling community of Sanibel,\u201d Meyer said.<\/p>\n
There will also be information on the club.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will have some flyers, and we\u2019ll direct them to the website,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The community is encouraged to come out.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a good reminder for all of us to pay close attention while riding and driving,\u201d Meyer said. \u201cAnd meet some new people.\u201d<\/p>\n