Ride of Silence on May 20 to Honor Cyclists Lost and Raise Awareness

Philadelphia’s 2015 Ride of Silence will be held May 20 at 6:45 p.m., to mourn the six cyclists killed by motorists since the Ride of Silence was held last year, including the loss of dear friend at PhillyCAM, Vijay Mohan, on May 10 and the hundreds who have had accidents involving motor vehicles in the last 12 months on the roads of the Delaware Valley. The ride will also serve to raise awareness of all road users of cyclists on the road.

Last years ride had about 175 participants. This year organizers said they are hoping to attract at least 400 riders.

This is the tenth year in a row it’s been held in Philadelphia and is in the 12th year since its inception. The event is also expected to be held this year at more than 250 U.S. locations and in fifteen countries.

A brief pre-ride dedication ceremony will take place at 6:45 p.m. and the eight mile ride will start promptly at 7:00 p.m., starting at the foot of the front steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum on the Ben Franklin Parkway. It will proceed down the Parkway, circle City Hall, continue to Independence Hall, and head over to West Philly via the Walnut St. Bridge. The ride will return to the front of the Art Museum over the Spring Garden Street Bridge.

The duration of the ride is expected to be one hour. Helmets are required and bicycle lights are encouraged.

More information about Philadelphia’s event can be found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/777018472395073/

Editor’s Note: This Friday, May 15, PhillyCAM has invited the public to celebrate the life of Vijay Mohan at the PhillyCAM offices. Find more information here.

Image via Philly Bike Coalition Flickr