Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Chicago Ride of Silence to leave Daley Plaza at 6:30 p.m. Rides also in Arlington Heights, Downers Grove, Elk Grove, Evanston, Oak Lawn, Joliet

The 11th Anniversary of the Ride of Silence is tonight, Wednesday May 21, 2014. The Ride of Silence honors those who have been injured or killed in a bicycle collision or crash.

These deaths are yet again tragic reminders of the vulnerabilities of bicyclists and the tragic results of what happens when motorists fail to share the road and respect bicyclists. The Illinois Bicycle Lawyers at Keating Law Offices are proud to support the efforts of the Ride of Silence and to act as an advocate for bicyclists throughout Illinois.

The Chicago Ride of Silence will leave from Daley Plaza at approximately 6:30 p.m. after gathering at 6:00 p.m. Please go to the Chicago Ride of Silence website for more information. A special thanks to Elizabeth Adamczyk of Ride of Silence - Chicago for her tireless efforts in promoting the Ride of Silence and making bicycling safer.

Here is info on Illinois Ride of Silence Rides from the Ride of Silence website:


ILLINOIS ORGANIZED RIDES

Arlington Heights
Distance: 10 miles. Ride at 7PM, Please arrive before 6:45PM. Ride starts/ends at 500 E Miner, Arlington Heights. Contact: Gary Gilbert.


Bloomington
Distance: 2.4 miles. Meet in front of the McLean County Museum of History in Downtown Bloomington at 6:30pm. After a few words from elected officials and cycling advocates, we will ride to Uptown Normal with a police escort. Contact: Michael Gorman.


Chicago
Distance: 10 miles. Gather at Daley Plaza's Eternal Flame beginning at 6pm; ride departs at 6:30pm. Contact: Elizabeth Adamczyk.

Downers Grove
Distance:9 miles. We will meet at the base of the water tower in McCullom Park, Downers Grove, and ride approx 10 miles. Contact: Loni Wiedemann.

Elk Grove
Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove is riding in memory of Rose Waters, and all others that have been injured or killed while cycling. We'll be riding 9.3 miles at a slow page (10mph) in complete silence. There is no fee to participate in this event.

A HELMET IS REQUIRED!! We'll also be obeying the Rules of the Road: stopping at stop lights and stopping at stop signs when there is cross traffic.

This ride is appropriate for ages 10 and up as we do need to keep the group together. The route and details have been determined with input from Rose's family. The route can be found here

Schedule
5:50pm - 6:20pm: Sign-in and bike checks by VCS
6:20pm - 6:40pm: A few words (Paul Rudden (Rose) and Dave Simmons (safety))
6:40pm - 8:00pm: Ride of Silence (9.3 miles)
8:00pm - 8:30pm: Refreshments at Hattendorf Center (tentative)

Evanston
Distance: 11 miles. The ride will start at the Chandler Neuberger Center in Evanston near the Central St. L stop. The ride will end at Tommy Nevins Pub in Evanston. 11 miles. In silence. In solidarity. Please bring lights as if you are riding home in the dark. Contact: David Barish.


Fairview Heights
Distance: 6 miles. Inaugural ride in Fairview Heights. 6 miles is shorter than the recommended, but given that the city is not well laid-out for bicycles, this is about as good as I can do for a first year. Contact: Sara Jo Briese.


Joliet
Distance: 9 miles. In Memory of Jan Briese, killed on May 26, 2005, while leading her Thursday morning Joliet Bicycle Club ride as she had for more than 12 years. Starting at the Memorial Stadium, 3000 W. Jefferson Street (Rt. 52). Line up at 6:45 P.M. Ride rolls promptly at 7 P.M. Contact: Sara Jo Briese.


O'Fallon
Distance: 10 miles. Contact: Robert Norman.


Oak Lawn
Please arrive before 6:45PM. Ride starts/ends at Oak Lawn Patriot Station (Metra Station) 9525 Tulley Ave Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Parking is available and free. Ride rolls promptly at 7PM. Distance: 10 miles. Contact: Deanna Sandei.


Peoria
Organized locally by the Illinois Valley Wheelm'n. We will begin assembling for the ride at 6:30 PM from Glen Oak Park in Peoria off Prospect Road (2218 North Prospect Road). Shortly before 7 PM, we will say a few words about the event and why everyone is there. Once the ride has left promptly at 7 PM on the 8.2 mile course. If you have any further questions, please contact us through the contact form listed on this website OR call 309-696-2591. Distance: 8.2 miles. Contact: Michael Honnold.

Woodstock - McHenry County
Distance: 6.5 miles.7 PM sharp come at 6:45. Meet at the McHenry County Courthouse, (SW corner of parking lot) (2200 N Seminary Ave, Woodstock, IL 60098 (for your GPS)). Contact: Eberhard Veit.