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Ride of Silence to honor Elk Grove cyclist

Cyclists around the world will embark on a "Ride of Silence" May 21 to honor those who have been killed or injured while biking on public roadways.

One such ride being planned for the first time in Elk Grove Village will have special meaning. It's taking place almost a year to the date that 46-year-old Rosaleen Waters was struck and killed by a vehicle as she was crossing Higgins Road near Route 53.

Members of Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove, a local cycling advocacy group, are working with Waters' family to organize a silent, slow-paced 9.3-mile ride on local bike trails and streets to honor her memory.

The ride also is meant to "show that both cars and bikes can share the same space and do so peacefully," said David Simmons, president of the cycling group.

Simmons has participated the past two years in similar rides in Arlington Heights but decided now was the time to host a ride in Elk Grove Village.

"There's a personal connection we have in our community," Simmons said. "I've met with the family a couple times. They're very excited. ... They're definitely the driving force behind this year. They have great ideas for how they want to remember Rose."

While the exact route is still being determined, it's expected that cyclists would ride on or near the newly installed pedestrian bridge that connects the northern and southern portions of the Busse Woods trail. Waters' family was present last November when officials dedicated the bridge.

The ride is expected to start by 6:40 p.m. at the Al Hattendorf Center, and last no more than an hour. Simmons expects as many as 100 people to participate, including many family and friends of Waters.

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