Ride of Silence: Tonight

Sorry for the late heads up, but I just found out about this, a ride to commemorate the million-plus victims of vehicle accidents. Yes, apparently this is not specifically geared towards cyclists who've been injured or killed, but is actually to honour anyone and everyone who's been injured, killed, or affected by motor vehicle accidents. Cars are dangerous, if you know what I mean.

Officially, The Ride of Silence is taking place in six countries to achieve three aims: to honour those who have been injured or killed, to raise awareness that we are here, and to ask that we all share the road.

See below for details.

Well the ride of silence won't be silent, as the website states, but I wouldn't exactly expect it to be festive either. It ain't critical mass.

Here's how the email from Vancouver Critical Mass describes it:

At 7pm, May 17, 2006, Vancouver cyclists will ride in mourning for those
killed and injured in the streets. All road casualties, including
non-cyclists, will be commemorated. We condemn all violence inflicted by
motor vehicles on our communities. This ride will communicate our quiet
strength, while raising awareness, & emphasizing that cycling is both a
responsible mode of transportation & an expression of respect.

We'll meet at the Grandview Park cenotaph, 1200 block of Commercial Drive,
at 6:20pm for quiet words & a discussion of route & protocol. Black is
encouraged, as are black arm bands (you may wish to wear a red armband in
addition if you have been involved in a crash with a vehicle). This will be
a street ride; we will ride together & the pace will be easy. You may wish
to wear signs and/or adorn your bikes/ trailers with flowers/black crepe.

The ride will commence at 7:00pm, be conducted in silence using
handsignals, & will terminate at Victory Square, E. Hastings & Hamilton
after about an hour.