I usually don’t spam the ECC list, as I normally just lurk from Nashville (originally from Ft Walton).  Thought you all might be interested in this.  The Emerald Coast has had its share of injured or killed riders over the last few years.  One of these should be pretty easy to put together.

If you do it, make sure you make the point by taking it right down Eglin Parkway, then down Hwy 98 over the Brooks Bridge.  Those are terrible roads for bicycles.

This is from www.nashvillecyclist.com

Ride Of Silence - Nashville
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
 

Nashville will host a Ride of Silence ride starting from Centennial Park in Nashville on Wednesday, May 17.  The ride will depart Centennial Park at 7:00 PM CST.  Join other Nashville cyclists in this silent slow-paced ride (max. 12 mph) in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.  Visit www.RideofSilence.com to learn more about this world wide endeavor.   

Why does this ride exist?

To HONOR those who have been injured or killed
To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here
To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

On May 17 at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists 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.

In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed.

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. There is no brochure, no sponsors, no registration fees and no t-shirt. The ride, which is being 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.

Everyone is invited to ride, so long as they have a helmet.  If they do not, ask that they not participate. Since it is a no talking ride, hand signals will be used. In controlling the ride and pace, you want to think “Funeral Procession.” That is, in fact, what we are recreating. 

Armbands are strongly encouraged. Black for everyone (solidarity in mourning lost cyclists). Red for those who have been injured by motorists.

Please send any questions or comments to us at NashvilleCyclist.com
 

WEATHER UPDATE: Partly cloudy with a high of 71.

WHAT:  Ride of Silence 
WHO:  Anyone with a bicycle and a helmet
WHERE:  Centennial Park main entrance off West End Ave in Nashville
                  and at over 200 other locations throughout the United States
WHEN:  Wednesday, May 17 - roll out at 7:00 PM sharp
WHY:  To honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways

ROUTE:
1 - Begin at main entrance to Centennial Park
2 - Go RIGHT onto West End Avenue
3 - Go LEFT onto Blakemore Avenue towards Hillsboro Village
4 - Cross 21st Ave South as Blakemore becomes Wedgewood Ave
5 - Go LEFT onto 16th Ave/Music Row East
6 - Follow 16th Ave/Music Row East all the way to the roundabout
7 - Go RIGHT onto Demonbreun Street after entering roundabout
8 - Go LEFT onto 12th Ave South
9 - Go LEFT onto Broadway
10 - Follow Broadway until the road splits
11 - Veer RIGHT at the split and follow West End Avenue back to Centennial Park Entrance

View a map HERE of the 2006 Ride of Silence - Nashville
Total route distance - 4.67 miles