Special/Chatham This Week
Sometimes silence can be more powerful than anything that can be put into words.
Hopefully this 1st annual Ride of Silence in Chatham gets the awareness that the organizers want. These bicycle riders want motorists to “Share the Road.”
The Ride of Silence was originally organized in Dallas in 2003 in memory of Larry Schwartz who was killed by a bus. Cyclists all over the world use this same night to ride in honour those killed or have been injured in an accident. Final results aren’t in but International figures expect more than 300 communities in 18 different countries were expected to participate.
Jennifer Laevens, organizer of the Chatham-Kent event got choked up as she discussed the six training for a Triathlon near Montreal just last weekend. Three of these died and the other three were injured in an accident involving one truck. Less than two days later another motorist took the life of another cyclist near Montreal. Many CK riders wore armbands to honour these cyclists.
Two of Roger's Angels - Walle Schaffner pins a key message on the back of Josie Evers.
Some riders came on unique bicycles. There were two different bicycles made for two. Some riders came out as a family. Most of the cyclists came from the Chatham-Kent Cycle Club. Some of these members have been riding together for years, while others were relatively new members. Whether they ride for speed, training or just for leisure they have one thing in common - they all love to ride.
Roger Carron, an avid cyclist says he has been riding for MS for 12 years. Roger’s Angels (a group that often ride with Roger) were also there.
When asked, Rob Peck who has been riding for three years explained that gear is important. The bike cleats help those in training keep their feet on the special racing pedals. Gloves help to soften the vibrations. On long rides this can be extremely helpful. Everyone wore the mandatory bike helmets.
Seven year old Mathew Dubeau and his five and half year old brother Ryan were two of the youngest riders who came out. They were there under dad’s watchful eye.
Matthew and Ryan Dubeau wait patiently for the ride to begin.
Dan Brousseau, from Chatham-Kent Cycle lead the procession from the Union Gas parking lot as they silently worked their way through most of the downtown core with a police escort.
Pinned onto their backs many had the words they wanted those watching them pass to hear if they could have spoken. SAME ROADS SAME RIGHTS SAME RULES. They aren’t asking for special privileges….just space and the same respect you’d give any other motorist on the road.
Cyclists gather in the Union Gas parking lot prior to the Ride of Silence
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