... all the cyclists who have been killed or injured by car or buses in the last year. The organizer held a brief meeting ,citing national statistics of mishaps involving cars an cyclists last year. He made it very clear that this wasn't some "anti-auto crusade", just a peaceful way of letting people know that cyclers are around.

One local rider's wife spoke before the ride on behalf of her husband, an avid road racer who was serverely injured when a school bus came too near him and he was struck by one of those huge side view mirrors that all buses have. Because he was wearing a helmet, he survived the accident, but he's in a coma until this day... :(

One fact that I didn't know about my particular state of Nevada: It is against the law for a cyclist to ride on the sidewalk. We have legal rights to the road. This was brought up illustrate that the occasional motorist's cry of "Why don't you get on the sidewalk where you belong!" is not valid.

Anyhow, the 35 bikers that showed up at 7:00 pm were mostly employees of several LBS and couple of mountain bikers. The pace was no more than 13 mph with no passing and the circular route was 16 miles through the "Entertainment Capital the World."

It was a little surreal seeing the huge casino neon lights in the background, but it was totally cool. :D

Helmets, headlights and tailights were required and we had the option of signing a waiver -the ride was insured.

Quite an impressive sight and the ride has the desired effect: People paid attention to us! Motorists and pedestrians were waving at the peloton and asking what it was all about at stoplights and while it was supposed to be official a "silent ride", our leader was happy to oblige them! :)

Ours was moved to next week due to heavy rain...

Man I really wanted to make it to the ride but I had class. Now I just found out that class was optional. Dang.

Glad to see some of us made it.

I inquired about the NYC ride, but never got a response. oh well..

Did the Dallas ride, 1000 riders I'd estimate.
very cool.
First speaker was the organizer of the event, which
went from about 100 riders in 2003 to last nights
numbers. He had a report from 2 rides in Australia,
and mentioned the other rides in the states.
Second speaker was Ronda Hoyt, co owner of
Richardson Bike Mart, who was hit by a car last
year and is just getting back on the bike.
Have no idea what she said as I couldn't hear
a word she said.
very moving to see 1000+ riders take off
silently, and remain silent the entire loop.

Marty

We had 20 people show up. Probably would have been more if not for the rain. Even with just 20, it was quite moving to ride in silence with a group of people for that cause. The ride was even more timely for us in Spokane because last week, 2 cyclist were killed in town in separate incidences. We had a number of comments from on lookers, which means we definitely succeeded in raising awareness of cycling on the streets. We're looking forward to next years ride....

Atlanta - about 15-20 riders at Piedmont Park - fewer at the Chamblee ride.


What does that say about Atlanta? Not a bike friendly place. :crash:

Five at the Chamblee (Atlanta) ride...

Off topic: RonH, I saw your billboard on the Tour doo'Luth century last weekend - very nice! Lots of 'Share the Road' road signs too - way to go!