Silent bicycle rides to memorialize those killed, injured in bicycle crashes

Hundreds of bicyclists are expected to gather at various locations throughout the suburbs and Chicago on Wednesday, May 18, to ride in silence in memory of people who have been injured or killed in bicycle crashes.

Rides in Arlington Heights, Bartlett and Elk Grove Village are part of a bigger event held across the country and internationally.

"The ride is absolutely quiet," said Bartlett's Spin Doctor Cyclewerks owner Greg Anderson. "We really try to spread awareness that people are being killed while doing something they love."

The bike shop has been helping lead the Bartlett ride for about five years, usually drawing a group of 10 to 18 bicyclists.

"A lot of it is riders who have either been affected personally because someone they know has died, or they are just really passionate about riding," said Anderson, who has been commuting by bike for 30 years.

Getting more people to participate creates more of a visual presence and reminds motorists that bicycles are legally allowed to ride on roads, Anderson says.

The Elk Grove Village ride is being held in memory of Rose Waters, who was killed while crossing Higgins Road in 2013. Later that year, Elk Grove held its initial Ride of Silence.

"Rose was really the impetus for us to have the first ride," said Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove President Dave Simmons. "The ride is meant to be slow and somber, almost like a funeral procession."

Bartlett-area bicyclists will set off on the 10-mile road ride from Spin Doctor Cyclewerks, 140 S. Hickory, at 6:45 p.m. Helmets are required, and bicycle lights recommended.

Bicyclists participating in the Elk Grove ride are invited to sign in from 5:50 to 6:20 at the Al Hattendorf Center, 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd. A brief history on the event will be presented at 6:20 p.m., and the 9.3-mile ride is scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m. Refreshments will be available at the Al Hattendorf Center from 8 to 8:30 p. m. Bike helmets are strongly encouraged.

Arlington Heights' Ride of Silence will leave from Recreation Park, 500 E. Miner St., at 7 p.m. Participants are invited to gather for the ride at 6:30 p.m. and join for conversation, coffee and ice cream at Eros, 818 E. Kensington Road, after the ride