The Brett Saks Foundation is proud to host
this year's Ride of Silence in Mesa/Gilbert
When: Wednesday, May 15th, 2013 7pm
Where: Starts at Mountain View Park in Mesa, south to Freestone Park in Gilbert, then returns back to Mountain View (11 miles roundtrip)
Why: to HONOR those who have been injured or killed, to RAISE AWARENESS that cyclists are here, to ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD
What: A brief ceremony remembering family and loved-ones who lost their lives while bicycling will begin the event, followed by ride protocol and safety instructions.
Some more background:
In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after his friend and endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. Read the full history here (it's quite amazing how fast the movement grew!): http://www.rideofsilence.org/history.php
On May 15, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. the 10th Annual Ride of Silence will begin in North America and continue to roll across the globe. The ride, which is held during National Bike Safety Month aims to raise overall awareness that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. Cyclists will take to the roads in a slow, silent procession to honor riders who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways.
Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves. Many drivers are also not aware that bicycles are legally required to ride in the street and NOT on sidewalks.
The Mesa/Gilbert Ride:
We hope more than 100 cyclists will participate in the completely silent 11-mile, 11 mph ride that is open to riders of all abilities. After being a participant and co-organizer in previous years, the Brett Saks Foundation has stepped up to host the ride for the Mesa and Gilbert communities this year. We’d love your support undefinedso far, there are 268 registered ride locations in all 50 states and in the following countries: Australia, Bolivia, Canada, Colombia, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Israel, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Panama, Philippines, România, Singapore, United Kingdom and Uruguay. You are part of a WORLDWIDE event when you support the Ride of Silence!
Check out the ROS website to find a ride near you: www.rideofsilence.org/locations
How you can help:
1. You can ride! This is not a RACE, so riders of all ages and abilities are welcome. Remember, the more riders we have, the more visual impact we can create.
2. You can come watch! Your support would mean so much to all the riders, especially those who have lost a loved one while cycling.
3. You can help direct traffic. We do not have the budget for a police escort or road closure. Although the riders must have both front and rear lights in order to participate, it would be nice to have some volunteers standing at the major intersections to increase visibility and safety.
If you have any questions, please contact Kim at 480-577-1485 or kim@gearupaz.org.
Thanks for your support, and I hope to see you at the 2013 Ride of Silence.
Kim
Kim Saks
Founder, The Brett Saks Foundation
"Shifting Gears to Save Lives"
www.gearupaz.org
