Join fellow cyclists throughout the region to honor the memory of all fallen cyclists and raise awareness of cyclists’ safety while sharing the public roads. On Wednesday, May 20, the Ride of Silence will not be quiet. Cyclists around the world will ride in silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. 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.

Several rides are planned around the region:

Chicago
The Chicago Ride Of Silence will gather at the Eternal Flame in Daley Plaza at 6:45 p.m. and depart at 7 p.m.. The 10-mile route will pass the sites of crash victims. Many sites are marked by Ghost Bikes, which are powerful memorials to fallen cyclists. The Ride of Silence is a free ride, hosted in hundreds of cities worldwide, that aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured. For more information, visit www.rideofsilence.org/chicago Questions? Contact Elizabeth at rideofsilence.Chicago@gmail.com.

Arlington Heights
Contact: Arlington Heights Bicycle Club  www.cyclearlington.com Email: rideofsilence@cyclearlington.com Arlington Heights Bicycle Club participates in international Ride of Silence May 20, 2009  The Arlington Heights event is co-sponsored by the Arlington Heights Bicycle Commission. The ride is 7 p.m.on Wednesday May 20, 2009 and is a 10 mile loop; starting and ending location is Recreation Park, 500 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. Riders are requested to arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of the ride. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways.

Downers Grove
Contact Loni Wiedemann
We will meet at McCollum Park at the water tower in Downers Grove at 6 p.m.

Evanston
Evanston Bike Club will be participating in the 2009 Ride of Silence. Meet at the Chandler Center just west of Green Bay Rd. between Lincoln and Central in Evanston. This is right at the Central "L" stop.We will ride in silence (other than the usual safety calls such as "car up" etc) for about 10-12 miles or about one hour. The ride will proceed at a slow pace and will loop back toward Evanston or Skokie where we will then open our mouths and discuss the ride over dinner. Lights are required. dbarish1957@yahoo.com

Joliet
In Memory of Jan Briese, killed on May 26, 2005, while leading her Thursday morning Joliet Bicycle Club ride as she had for more than 12 years. Starting at the Memorial Stadium, 3000 W. Jefferson Street (Rt. 52). Line up at 6:45 P.M. Ride rolls promptly at 7 P.M for a 10-mile loop. For information contact Sara Jo Briese: sjbriese@yahoo.com or 815-715-2851 or www.rideofsilence.org.

The Ride of Silence memorial ride is free and open to anyone in the communit. Go here for more information about the closest ride to you.