Press-Register: Ride to honor two cyclists

A “Ride of Silence” to be held in memory of bicyclists Archie Leroy “Art” Clemons Jr. and William Frederick “Bill” Imle will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday in Bay Minette. The cycling event will start and finish at the Baldwin County Courthouse at the intersection of Hand Avenue and U.S. 31 on Courthouse Square. Riders of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate, organizers said. Clemons, 46, of Spanish Fort, and Imle, 48, of Daphne, were struck and killed Monday as they rode their bikes when an alleged drunken driver lost control of his pickup on Bromley Road near Stapleton.

Patrick Blake Young Ballard, 19, of Spanish Fort has been charged with two counts of murder. Advertisement “Though Art and Bill were experienced cyclists, we want anyone who enjoys riding a bike of any kind to join us on Saturday. To honor these two men and other victims of cycling tragedies, there will be complete silence during the ride,” said event organizer Mary Trufant.

The fully escorted route will be about 7 miles long and the pace no faster than 12 mph. “Our ride will deviate from other Ride of Silence events in that we will be accepting donations/offerings for the families,” said Trufant. “There is no pressure to give, just if you feel moved to do so. We will have a designated offering box at the courthouse.”

Officials from Baldwin and Mobile counties have been invited to discuss bike safety and road rules after the ride, event leaders said. Spanish Fort United Methodist Church, where both Clemons and Imle were members, has established a fund for the men’s children. Checks can be made out to the Spanish Fort United Methodist Church; in the comment section write “family relief.” Donations may also be mailed to the church at 6530 Spanish Fort Blvd., Suite D, Spanish Fort, AL 36527. For more information about the ride, call Trufant at 510-9872.