MEDIA RELEASE

2010 Ride of Silence Carries Loud Message

On Thursday 20 May Rodney cyclists will join others from 300 cities around the World raising awareness about cycling fatalities through the ‘Ride of Silence.’ 

Rodney has participated in the Ride since 2007.  Rodney has experienced two cycling fatalities in the last seven years – and the loss of those two lives has been felt by families, friends, work colleagues, and throughout their communities.  There have been many more serious injuries and close calls reported – and it is suspected that thousands more cycle incidents a year go unreported.

“It’s so important for us all to remember just how vulnerable cyclists are on our roads” says Jacqui Dawson, Road Safety Coordinator at Rodney District Council.  “Motorists need to give them space and slow down if necessary to do so, especially on our windy rural roads.”

“I encourage anyone who has been affected by death or injury to themselves or someone close to them to come along and participate or just be there to support the cyclists.”   

The event will start outside the RDC building on Centreway Road at 5.20pm and the ride will be preceded by a brief memorial and a prayer.  The ride itself is a 4.5km loop around Centreway Road, Loop Road, HBC Highway and West Hoe Road.

The event is free and if you register at www.rodney.govt.nz/rideofsilence you will get a registration pack with some cycle safety gear.

Helmets & shoes must be worn and bright clothing and bikes must be fitted with lights as per the new “Road Code for Cyclists” at http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/cyclist-code/index.html

 
The ride started in 2003 in Dallas, Texas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was killed by a passing bus on an empty road.  Since that time, the ride has developed into a global event and is now held in 18 countries. 

ENDS.

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