Released May 16, 2011

Contact:

Elizabeth Adamczyk
Ride of Silence
rideofsilence.chicago@gmail.com
773-370-2038

Howard Kaplan
Ghost Bikes
ghostbikes@bikechicago.info
773-710-4143

Ethan Spotts
Active Transportation Alliance
ethan@activetrans.org
312-427-3325 x 287

Chicago Ride of Silence honors fallen cyclists in Chicago
Help raise awareness about the rights of cyclists

Join the Chicago Ride of Silence, a silent procession of bicyclists to honor those who have been killed or injured while bicycling on public roadways, on Wednesday, May 18, 2011. The ride, which always takes place the third Wednesday in May, also aims to raise awareness that cyclists have a right to share the roads.

When: Gather 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2011; depart at 7 p.m.
Where: Daley Plaza, the Eternal Flame, Chicago

The Chicago Ride of Silence is a 10-mile route set to pass by the sites of local crash victims. The sites are marked by Ghost Bikes--bicycles painted white--which serve as powerful memorials to fallen cyclists.

• All cyclists are welcome to participate in the Ride of Silence.
• All cyclists are encouraged to wear helmets.
• All cyclists are also encouraged to use bikes equipped with headlights in the likely event the ride continues past dusk. (By law, headlights are required at night.)
• All cyclists are asked to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the procession.
• All cyclists are asked to wear black arm bands in solidarity with victims, or red arm bands to signify a personal injury from a bike/motor vehicle accident.
• Free event (recommended donations $1 per rider for a Ride of Silence pin).

The Ride of Silence is a global event held annually since 2003. Last year, over 300 locations participated worldwide. This year's northeastern Illinois locations include Chicago, Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Downers Grove, Evanston, Joliet and Oak Park. Downstate rides will be held in Peoria and Urbana.

Visit the Ride of Silence webpage to learn about rides in Illinois and throughout the nation: www.rideofsilence.org.

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. The organization builds a movement around active transportation, encourages physical activity, increases safety and builds a world-class transportation network. The Active Transportation Alliance is North America's largest transportation advocacy organization, supported by nearly 6,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 40 full-time staff. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.

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