This week's Ride of Silence event has a deeply personal meaning for Kim Saks of Chandler: Her husband, Brett Steven Saks, was struck and killed by a motorist in 2008 while training for a charity bike event.
"Educating motorists about sharing the road with cyclists is my passion," said Saks, co-coordinator of this year's ride. "It is a cause that is close to my heart and I am thankful to all of the cyclists riding in his honor and others who have been killed or injured."
The Ride of Silence is a nationwide event being held in 260 locations across the United States and in 16 countries. Participating cyclists are asked to remain silent throughout the ride and not to exceed 11 mph.
The East Valley's 8th annual 11-mile Ride of Silence begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Mountain View Park, 845 N. Lindsay Road in Mesa, and ends at Freestone Park, 1045 Juniper Road in Gilbert. All ages are welcome.
Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves. Many drivers are also not aware that bicycles are legally required to ride in the street and not on sidewalks.
The latest statistics of cyclists killed by motorists in Arizona were not available, but more than a handful of them were killed in the last few years alone. Most recently, Christopher Volpe, a 24-year-old Arizona State University student, died Monday after he was struck by a motorist while riding his bike on University Drive near Ash Street in Tempe.
Cyclists often aren't seen before they are struck and killed by motorists as they pedal along city streets and desert roads.
Eric Hirning, 40, of Gilbert was T-boned by a car while riding his bike in San Diego several years ago. "The driver of the vehicle just didn't see me," he said, "and after I was hit, I wound up on the hood of the car."
Hirning, who is co-coordinating this year's Ride of Silence with Saks, said he also was recently "nudged" by a car while riding his bike in the East Valley.
"My best advice to bicyclists would be in order to be seen, be as bright as you can," said Hirning, who has been cycling for 16 years. "Expect the unexpected and try to be aware of your surroundings."
KKKBBB posted at 10:23 pm on Mon, May 17, 2010.
If you want to risk your life by riding a bike through traffic (yes I know it is a legal form of transport) that is your choice. But don't be surprised if you get run over, and then don't expect a parade for your foolishness.
KKKBBB posted at 10:26 pm on Mon, May 17, 2010.
people die every day doing less foolhardy things than riding their bikes through traffic and they don't get a parade.
tri gal posted at 7:37 am on Tue, May 18, 2010.
..Really fool: ? let me remind you! It's a cyclist right to utilize the road just like every other citizen and expect to be safe and not run over by some cell phone gabbing, texting or otherwise occupied person - whether it's a motor cycle or a bicycle - it's ignorant idiots like you who need to stay off the road and have their right of driving or using public roads evoked - you are probably 200 pounds over weight too huh? I wait for your comeback while you finish up your cigarette! Unbelievable!!!....the morons they allow in our society
AZcyclist posted at 7:12 am on Wed, May 19, 2010.
I have to agree with tri gal; EVERYONE deserves to be safe while on the roads. Even other motorists are hit while the other person is preoccupied somehow (they're not usually killed, though). Too often, in a cyclist/motorist accident, the cyclist's point of view is not taken because they're killed. True, cyclists need to follow the laws, but motorists need to be aware that we're out there too. And yes, KKKBBB, you are a moron! Unbelieveable.
jstack6 posted at 9:52 pm on Fri, May 21, 2010.
I think of others safety too. I ride a bicycle 18 miles to work each day. I've never run over and killed anyone since bicycles are safe for ALL people. Bicycles don't use foreign oil (60% cars) or make deadly pollution (Carbon mon=oxide) and green house cases, CO2.
Cars kill over 40,000 people a year, more than wars or any other factor. I call the the WMD.
When I do drive I actaully treat the max speed limit like a real limit and go a little under so I'm safe and don't tail gate. It's a privilage to be able to drive and everyone should be much more responsible.