Bicyclists plan Ride of Silence in Le Mars

This week Le Mars area cyclists will have the opportunity to participate in the annual Ride of Silence Wednesday evening, May 20.

The Ride of Silence is a slow-paced bicycle ride that will occur in hundreds of locations world wide to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways.

At 7 p.m. May 20, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession.

Plymouth County Cyclists, the local cycling club, is organizing the local Ride of Silence which will replace their weekly Thursday evening ride.

The Le Mars Ride of Silence takes on a special significance this year following the harrowing experience of Erin Schroeder a month ago. Schroeder crashed on a Plymouth County road after a car sped by and someone in it threw a full beer can at her.

The ride Wednesday evening begins at 7 p.m. from the Le Mars YMCA parking lot on 12th Street Southwest, and will be approximately 12 miles in length on the Le Mars biking/hiking trails. All local cyclists are invited to participate.

The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. The ride, which is held during Bike Safety month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured.

The Ride of Silence originated in 2003 and was organized by Chris Phelan of Dallas, Texas. It was Phelan's response to the death of endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz who was hit by the mirror of a passing bus.