The 2008 Ride of Silence, a worldwide bicycle event, began in North America on May 21, and is still rolling across the globe with over 285 rides in places diverse as Antarctica, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Bolivia, Spain, Hong Kong and Japan.

The Ride of Silence, started in Dallas, Texas in 2003 (after the death of a local cyclist), is a peaceful, apolitical ride that follows all road rules and pays homage to fellow riders who have been injured or lost their lives.

• Australian Media Release (PDF, 82kb)

Across Australia, the Ride of Silence will start on Saturday 24 May with nine rides in Adelaide, Bendigo, Bowral, Canberra, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Mount Isa, Sydney and Townsville.

During the Ride of Silence, cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor their fellow riders, it is not a bunch ride nor a critical mass, it is a solemn occasion for riders to contemplate sharing the road with all road users and to remember those riders who are no longer able to enjoy riding though serious injury or fatality.

Every rider has their own story; many ride for personal reasons, to remember a friend, family member or colleague. Other cyclists take part to show respect and to show they still love cycling after injury or road incident.

The Canberra ACT Ride of Silence was organised after a group of cyclists were involved in a ‘hit and run’ whilst cycling in an on-road bike lane just three weeks ago. “We wanted something positive to come out of the incident, and to raise awareness of the need for all road users to show respect for one another,” said local organisers.

In the aftermath of the May 8 ‘road rage’ incident involving an elite road cycling bunch in Sydney, it’s important that other road users know that they can contribute towards changing negative attitudes in positive ways that help everyone.

People who choose to ride are not just “cyclists”; they are also grandparents, mums, dads, children, neighbours, workmates, and more often than not, people just like you.

Bicycles have a legal right to ride to share the road with motor vehicles, and much of the public is not aware of these rights. Cyclists need adequate space on the road, and an easy way to help is to give at least a meter. Also consider slowing down when approaching riders and taking a calm approach when something unforeseen occurs. Acting in anger can make a situation worse, for everyone.

“To be a good bike rider you have to think as a car driver and to be a good car driver, to think as a bike rider - summarised as, ‘do unto others as you would have them do to you,’ ” said Eddie Barkla, Bendigo Ride of Silence organiser.

“Responding with aggression is never a valid reaction to any situation while driving, as it can have terrible outcomes for everyone involved. As more Australians are deciding to take up riding for commuting, recreation and fun, this year’s participants in the Ride of Silence across the globe call on all road users to act with respect towards others and follow road laws”. said Chris Star, Melbourne Ride of Silence organiser.

Australian Rides of Silence

Adelaide, South Australia
Contact: Sam Powrie Send email
Distance: 10km Notes: 9am, Saturday 24th May.
The 2nd Adelaide Ride of Silence will leave Victoria Square in the city centre and travel, via King William St, South Trc and Anzac Highway to Glenelg where the ride will finish at Wigley Reserve. Ride organised by BISA.
Poster: http://preview.tinyurl.com/4yk788

Bendigo, Victoria
Contact: Eddie Barkla Send email
Distance: 5 km Notes: Date: 24th May 2008
Time: 8:45am till 9:30am Potential group size: 200 plus riders Leaving: The Epsom Sports Complex in Howard Street turning left into Midland Highway (traffic light controlled intersection) Destination: The area along High Street (To Fountain with a left turn into Mitchell Street)

The road is controlled primarily with traffic light intersections at the following intersections: Lyons Street - Midland Highway Nolan Street - Midland Highway Pedestrian Lights between Tomlins Street & Tramways (Access to walking track to Lake) Chapel Street - Mc Crae Street (McIvor Highway turn off) Williamson Street - McIvor Highway Mitchell Street - Intersection between Calder Highway and McIvor Highway Details of ride:

The ride is contained to the road verge bicycle lane from Epsom Sports Complex till Mc Crae Street where lane is no longer available and one lane is usually contained by cyclists. The ride is two by two peleton riding at low speed. The purpose of the ride: To HONOUR those who have been injured or killed To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

Bowral, New South Wales
Contact: Ben Mikic Foundation Send email
Distance: 20km Notes: The ride will start at 7.30am sharp from the Bowral Swimming pool, Sunday 25th May. It will go through the main street of Bowral and to the town of Moss Vale, right at the roundabout into Suttor Road then back to the Lions Park in Bowral. Event Poster: http://preview.tinyurl.com/4nwy66

Canberra, ACT
Contact: Lyndsey Vivian Send email
Distance: 6 km Notes: Where: Start and finish at Regatta Place, north of Commonwealth Avenue bridge. When: Arrive at 9am for a 9.30 start. The ride: Approx. 6 km in length at a slow pace (max 20 km/h) in a loop that includes part of the Parliamentary Triangle. The Ride of Silence will take place on open roads and participants will be expected to ride safely and considerately and obey all traffic laws.

Gold Coast, Queensland
Contact: Brett Stuart Send email
Distance: 11.4 km Notes: Start - 6:00 AM, Sunday 25th May, Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club car park (Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach). Finish - The Spit (11.4 km) Rides through Surfers Paradise, Main Beach. The Ride of Silence will take place on open roads and participants will be expected to ride safely and considerately and obey all traffic laws.Map of route: http://tiny.cc/KWoLH

Melbourne, Victoria
Contact: Chris Star Send email
Distance: 8-10km Notes: Meet Saturday, May 24, 2008, 10:00am at Federation Square, Corner Swanston & Flinders Streets. This will be the fourth Ride of Silence to be held in Melbourne. This is the route:http://tinyurl.com/3kbzos

Mount Isa, Queensland
Contact: Ronald Pickering Send email
Distance: 11km Notes: The ride in Mount Isa is to start at the same time as the other rides in Australia - Saturday 24th May at 10:00am. Starting and Finishing at the Overlander Hotel Car Park on the corner of the Barkly Highway and Falcon Street. It is my belief that a Police escort is being provided. The planned route is here: http://tinyurl.com/52jfs3

Sydney, New South Wales
Contact: Michael McGrath Send email
Distance: - Notes: Ride of Silence Sydney, Saturday 24 May (Southern Hemisphere) 10 am start from Archibald Fountain, Hyde Park-20 km ride through Paddington, Glebe and Surry Hills. Bring your friends. Ride poster and leaflet available to download and print at: http://tinyurl.com/5jzsq8

Townsville, Quennsland
Contact: Carl van Wyk Send email
Distance: 10 km Notes: Date: Saturday Morning 24th May.When: 8:15am for 8.30 start. Location: Rockpool the Strand Ride: Rockpool to Casino and back along the Strand with a loop along the Esplanade ending at the Rockpool.Gmaps: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1832620