CM vs. Ride of Silence

[powers2b]

I find it interesting that CM rides are hassled by the authorities but not ROS rides.
I have participated in several ROS rides with 50 or more participants. Riding two abreast, obeying traffic laws, and slowing traffic (although not intentionally). Not once did the police disrupt these rides.

I have also participated in CM rides (often with far fewer participants). I noted and almost palatable expectation of confrontation with the law during the ride. Many times those expectations came true.

I continue to wonder what the difference is between these two rides.
On the surface they are very similar yet apparently they are viewed differently by the authorities.

Comments??

[larue]

I've never heard of Ride of Silence, and more info?

[powers2b]

Join cyclists in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on America's public roadways.
To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD
http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php

[Laika]

Join cyclists in a silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on America's public roadways.
To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD
http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php

Thanks for the link. Are the ROS rides annual? I'm sure there'd be interest in NYC and it didn't look like there was an ROS ride here last year. Thanks again.

[larue]

So ros is an annual ride, it's definitely a good idea. I'll try to organize one for next year.

[Grasschopper]

Riding two abreast, obeying traffic laws, and slowing traffic (although not intentionally).

I think this line contains the answer.

[vincenzosi]

That rocks. I definitely want to do something like that. Maybe the NYC irregulars can arrange it when the date is announced? :D

[powers2b]

ROS rides are typically organic. By that I mean they are organized locally by friends of the fallen or injured. Although I consider it an honor to ride in the memory of a fellow cyclist (regardless of type or brand of bike) I have to admit they are somber events.

[vincenzosi]

I think it's terrific, and a great way to say "Here we are, honoring one of our own." This is a great idea.

[nycm'er]

I would def. help organize a ride like that in the city. i.e. That messenger that was killed on 8th, did anyone figure out they knew him in the messenger community? Thanks for bringing the ROS to the forum

[peterm5365]

There was a silent memorial ride in Nyack a few months ago. One of the area cyclist was killed and the ride was organized a couple weeks later. Put out the call and people will come. Probably be a lot of rides in NYC.

[powers2b]

There was a silent memorial ride in Nyack a few months ago. One of the area cyclist was killed and the ride was organized a couple weeks later. Put out the call and people will come. Probably be a lot of rides in NYC.

Sadly there were 3 ROS rides in the Cleveland area last season.

I'm happy to help spread the word for ROS rides but my original post was more a question regarding why the authorities treat these rides so differently. Is it the type of riders, route/time chosen for the ride, the black armbands???

[larue]

I doubt there are anyone screaming Bush Sucks! at the ROS rides powers2b. Critical Mass rides only go awry when hijacked by pseudo-activists and stop obeying the law. Plus ROS appears to actually be organized.

[Bop Bop]

Below is a link to a ROS Ride in Phoenix I posted on 12/12/04:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=78945

[webist]

Sounds like a nice idea.