In May 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas (USA) after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. The ride was a solemn event, to remember Larry and all cyclists killed while riding their bikes.

It was only supposed to be a one-time event, but as word got out about the ride, many cyclists contacted Chris with the desire to participate in this event. 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.

The ride has several goals:

To honour those who have been injured or killed
To raise awareness that we are here
To ask that we all peacefully share the road

In that spirit, the Melbourne Ride of Silence is a simple memorial to honour the memory of all bicycle riders injured or killed while riding. All fellow bicycle riders, family, friends and non-riding supporters are most welcome to attend.

Meet: 10am Saturday May 19, 2007 At Federation Square, corner Flinders Street and St Kilda Rd, facing Flinders Street Station.

Destination: Parliament House Steps, Spring Street. There will be an opportunity for riders to speak at the conclusion.

Protocol: Please, no speaking during the ride unless absolutely necessary. Ride maximum two abreast and stop at red lights. Please follow all road rules, no blocking of traffic or pedestrians. Be polite and respectful of other road users. Remain neutral if the ride encounters any aggressive motorists. Ride slowly at 15km. Black armbands are optional. Please ensure your mobile is off or on discreet. There will be Ride of Silence signage and leaflets distributed on the day.

Note: The worldwide Ride of Silence will take place from 6pm on 16th May in the USA, as this is not appropriate in the southern hemisphere, the Melbourne Ride of Silence will take place on Saturday May 19 from 10am. With this ride, we hope to also educate motorists that cyclists have the legal right to the road and to watch out for us.

There will be other Australian cities organising their own Ride of Silence events, so watch this site for further updates. Local communities are encouraged to arrange their own rides on this day. Do join us in this moving tribute to the memories of our cycling kin.

Download the Melbourne RoS leaflet (PDF 104K) to help promote this event.

Further information: infoATwoj.com.au

Ride of Silence
http://www.rideofsilence.org

Wheels of Justice
http://www.woj.com.au