we cancelled the ride of silence this year.
please visit the ROS WEBSITE to find another ride near you



THIS IS AN ADVOCACY EVENT

Please join Fox Valley Bicycle & Ski Club as we participate in the 21ST Anniversary Ride Of Silence on May 17th at 6:00 pm. This is an international event that aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways.

MISSION

As described by the Ride Of Silence Organization (founded 2003), the mission of the Ride Of Silence is to honor bicyclists killed/injured by motorists, promote sharing the road, and provide awareness of bicycling safety.

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. The ride has several goals:

• To HONOR those who have been injured or killed

• To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here

• To ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD

The ride, which is held during National Bike Month and in combination with the League of American Bicyclists and Ride Illinois, is a chance to show respect for and honor the lives of those who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways.

According to the League of American Bicyclists, over 700 cyclists are killed on the road every year in the U.S. In northeastern Illinois, bike fatalities rose from 12 in 2019 to 26 in 2020, due to not only the biking boom, but also vehicles traveling at higher speeds.

RoS 2023 Route  

HISTORY

In May 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride Of Silence in Dallas, Texas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. The ride was a solemn event, to remember Larry and all cyclists killed while riding their bikes. It was only supposed to be a one-time event, but as word got out about the ride, many cyclists contacted Chris with the desire to participate in this event.

Now celebrating it's 20th year, the Ride Of Silence has grown into an international event that is held on the same date. For 2022, there are more than 300 confirmed rides throughout the world, including the United States, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Mexico, Romania, Tanzania and Turkey. 

The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 10-12 mph, complete an 8-12 mile route, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road and remain silent during the ride. There are no registration fees and EVERYONE is invited. All are welcome on any type of bike.

OUR RIDE OF SILENCE - FREE EVENT

Riders will gather at the Kane County Government Center, 719 Batavia Avenue, Geneva, IL at 6:00 pm. A poem will be read, tributes will be issued, and then cyclists will ride at 7:00 pm in a silent, solemn, single-file procession through Geneva and St. Charles. Cyclists who have lost loved ones in accidents will wear a black arm band and cyclists who have been hit by vehicles will wear a red arm band.  Armbands will be provided by the club and cyclists are welcome to keep them as a remembrance of the event. Riders are asked NOT TO SPEAK during the entire ride, but arm signals will be used.

The Ride Of Silence is similar to a funeral procession. The ride will focus on safety and be short and slow (8 miles, 10-12 MPH). There will be no talking, only silence, to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. Cyclists are asked to wear helmets, subdued clothing (illumination devices such as safety vests or reflective clothing are a good idea), front and rear lights are recommended, and tributes to injured/deceased cyclists are welcome (signs, posters, flowers, etc.).

REGISTER FOR RIDE BY CLICKING THE "REGISTER NOW" BUTTON TO THE RIGHT OF THIS PAGE.  SELECT "RIDE OF SILENCE" AND CONTINUE

T-SHIRTS - OPTIONAL
New this year we will be offering Ride of Silence t-shirts for $25 ea. - Hanes Beefy Tees (100% preshrunk cotton) in unisex sizes S to 5XL.  The Pre-Order Deadline is May 1 at midnight.  Please pick up your t-shirt at the event.  All proceeds will be donated to the Ride of Silence organization. For more information on donations, please visit http://rideofsilence.org/donate.php. 

ORDER T-SHIRTS BY CLICKING THE "REGISTER NOW" BUTTON TO THE RIGHT OF THIS PAGE.  SELECT "RIDE OF SILENCE" AND SELECT YOUR DESIRED T-SHIRT THEN CONTINUE

To learn more, please visit http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php

If you know of someone who has been killed or injured while riding a bicycle, please send their name and the date of the incident to our Ride Leader Pat Sweeney at safety@fvbsc.org. We will be sure to include his/her name in our opening poem.