One day. One time. Worldwide.

On May 20, at 7:00 p.m., thousands of cyclists took part in a Ride of Silence across the globe. A little closer to home, hundreds gathered at Central Bucks West High School in Doylestown for the town's first annual police-escorted, 5-mile ride to honor cyclists who’ve been killed or injured in collisions with vehicles.


My brother and I rode from our house through town, taking the route of least elevation (he was on his SE Lager), and met Justin, Dan and Jason at the high school—where Jason was all too happy to show off his sparkling new kicks.


Before we took to the streets, the ride organizer read this poem from the top of the high school steps:

Tonight we number many but ride as one
In honor of those not with us, friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, sons
With helmets on tight and heads down low,
We ride in silence, cautious and slow
The wheels start spinning in the lead pack
But tonight we ride and no one attacks
The dark sunglasses cover our tears
Remembering those we held so dear
Tonight's ride is to make others aware
The road is there for all to share
To those not with us or by our side,
May God be your partner on your final ride.

With heavy hearts we slowly pedaled in a silent procession through town, comforted by the safety of red and blue flashing lights. Some wore black or red armbands: Black to mourn cyclists killed or injured by motorists. Red to indicate you’d been in a bicycle/vehicle accident yourself.


I plan on making the Ride of Silence an annual event and you should too. In the meantime, be safe out there, kids!