Bowling Green League of Bicyclists and BikeWalk BG host Ride of Silence to remember those lost in biking accidents on roadways

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The hustle and bustle of Circus Square Park turned to silence Wednesday evening, as a pair of local biking organizations remember those that have been killed in bicycle accidents on the roadways.

“This is called the Ride of Silence… and there’s a special protocol that we follow when we do the Ride of Silence,” Diane Moats with the Bowling Green League of Bicyclists said. “This is a ride that started in Texas, and it was just going to be an annual, a one time event… so it turned into an annual event, and now it is not only nationwide, but it’s worldwide.”

The ride has been in Bowling Green for four years now, but this is the first time BikeWalk BG has partnered with the League of Bicyclists to take part.

“We just try to support everybody biking, walking… doing anything active,” Natasha Smith, BikeWalk BG’s coordinator, said. “Diane with Bowling Green League of Bicyclists contacted us to participate with the Ride of Silence… and it’s a really good day of remembrance because we focus a lot with BikeWalk for safety, we want people to be safe and feel comfortable when they’re walking or biking… and this is to remember people who were injured or killed on a cycle by a vehicle.”

Of course the most important part is remembering those we’ve lost to cycling accidents over the years while advocating for drivers to keep their eyes out for those who might be biking.

“We’re out there… and it’s also very important for the cyclists to be sure and follow the rules of the road. If we all follow the same laws on the roads, it will be a much safer place,” Moats said.