Cyclists Saddle Up For 6th Annual Ride Of Silence In Philadelphia

May 19, 2011 5:22 AM

(credit: KYW’s Cherri Gregg)

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Police escorted a group of bicyclists who took part in the Sixth Annual Ride of Silence on Wednesday night.

Nearly 200 people rode silently on a track through Philadelphia to honor fallen bicyclists and to raise awareness about the cyclists’ rights to share the road. Rodney Garrett’s son Russell was one of the 14 bikers killed in the Delaware Valley last year.

“A lady was not paying attention to her driving, she was distracted.”

Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia Executive Director, Alex Doty says cities outside of Philadelphia need to improve roads for cyclists.

“By putting in buffered bike lanes, you are not only saving cyclists lives, but you are also saving motorists lives and pedestrians lives.

Paris Pontown offered up some advice for motorists.

“Put your cell phone down and keep your eyes on the road.”

Reported by Cherri Gregg, KYW Newsradio

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Cyclists Saddle Up For 6th Annual Ride Of Silence In Philadelphia

Jim

“Put your cell phone down and keep your eyes on the road.”

Why? How is talking on the phone different from talking to a passenger in the car? Studies show there is no difference. Same with listening to the radio. Texting, I get. You’re eyes are off the road.
Connor

Let’s add some more unattributed quotations:

“Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops.”

“Get back in the bike lane. That’s what it’s there for.”

“Don’t cross against the light, and stop at stop signs.”

“Stop weaving through traffic.”

“Stop your whining. Behave like an adult and people will treat you like an adult.”
Speedy

This road goes both ways. As a motorist and a bicycling enthusiast, I am appalled by the dangerous practices of most cyclists. It is rare to see a bicycle rider go more than 2 blocks without committing significant traffic violations.

“Share the roadway” implies shared responsibilities as well as shared benefits. My fellow cyclists only want the benefits.