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We had about 50 or so riders this year. Apparently they started with 13 riders the first time they did it. Last year they had about 30 and now over 50, so its growing around here. We didn't have police escorts. I wonder if our club board even inquired about that. I'll ask for next year.
We had 20 -- BUT one of 'em had called the press that day (yes, some of 'em had been notified earlier) so we got some good coverage. Lead story ;)
http://www.wicd15.com/newsroom/top_s..._vid_904.shtml
We had around 25, I think. It was very moving. A reporter from our local paper rode with us. I'm anxious to see tonight's paper.
To every member of Team Estrogen, who supports and rides in the Ride of Silence, Thank You.
2009 Grand Rapids MI Ride of Silence
With thoughts of our largest turn out, thanks to pre-Ride coverage from TV Channel 13, pre-Ride radio coverage from WGVU, Our Honorable Mayor in attendance, handing out 150+ free Ride of Silence / Share the Road T-Shirts and near perfect weather, the 2009 Grand Rapids Ride of Silence began under a very solemn cloud, due to the death of a Grand Rapids’ bicyclist, who had an accident with a city vehicle just a few short hours prior to our start.
Our Honorable Mayor George Heartwell, who spoke and rode the entire route with us, had originally planned to read a Proclamation he drafted a few weeks ago. But under the circumstances we agreed now would not be the proper time. Instead he spoke briefly about the accident, that it was still under investigation, the bicyclist’s name not yet released, and spoke instead of the need for safety and how cyclists and motorist both need be aware of each other, for all to Share the Road. “This is driven home in an awful and very sad way tonight” were but a few of his many remarks. His Honor led the prayer, asking all to keep the family of the unknown rider in our hearts and prayers this evening.
A GR Patrol Car led us on our route through downtown and out to John Ball Park. With bright orange shirts stating Share the Road on 150 riders backs, and our Ride of Silence funeral flags, we let the public know why we were riding. (including the large RofS banner on both sides of our SAG van) When we approached and began to circle the rotary at John Ball Park, giving us the opportunity to acknowledge each other, the 4 Pipers of the Grand Rapids & District Pipe Band began playing “Amazing Grace”, which meant much more on this somber evening. They were there to welcome us when we arrived back at Riverside Park. We had one rider on a penny farthing do the entire route. The final rider count I was given; 202 riders, including the dozen tots being pulled by parents in trailers.
As always, we look to next year, May 19th, 2010 at 7:00 PM and pray it will be under different circumstances.
Now to the many thanks, for without these folks, organizations and businesses, our Ride would not be be possible:
To Thomas Fish of Motion Initiatives for 100% coordinating the T-Shirt fund and doing much of the leg-work for the design.
To so many fellow members of the Rapid Wheelmen Bicycle Club, who helped out prior to and at the Ride.
To Chicago Dr/Kentwood/Holland Cycle Fitness, CycleSafe, the FreeWheeler Bike Shop, Fun Promotions, Grand Rapids Bicycle Co., Rapid Wheelmen Bicycle Club, Slingshot Bikes, Speed Merchant Bike Shop, West MI Trails & Greenways, Western MMBA, West MI Coast Riders and Village Bike Shops for donations to the T-Shirt fund or GR RofS General Fund.
To our anonymous donor, who donated a large sum to the T-Shirt Fund. She is a U.S. soldier stationed in Afghanistan, who arrived stateside the day of the Ride, and arrived in GR at the last minute to ride with us. We are very thankful of her contribution, not only to our Ride, but to our country.
To our Honorable Mayor Heartwell for joining us, and to his and the City’s commitment to make Grand Rapids a safe cycling community. As our elected official, we appreciated his thoughts and comments. As an ordained minister, in leading us in prayer that evening.
To Lt. Pat Dean of the Grand Rapids Police, who once again arranged for the GR Patrol Car, and for loaning us the portable PA system, that allowed Mayor Heartwell and myself to address our riders.
To Alger Schwinn for providing the Flag Sticks and the SAG van that evening.
To Jim DeGracia of Jade Cycles, for building a Jade Cycle specifically for our anonymous donor to borrow that evening, and again being our last rider with a FDOT regulation Share the Road sign mounted to his bike.
To Jennifer Pascua, who provided pre-Ride coverage on WZZM TV.
To Shelley Irwin, who provided pre-Ride coverage on WGVU Public Radio.
To Danielle Arndt, who provided pre-Ride coverage in The Daily News.
And finally to all the greater Grand Rapids area riders who came out to honor family or friends, and who wish to make Grand Rapids one of the LAB’s safe cycling communities.
Going tommorow. I have to ride about 28 km to get there and then the ride, so it will be longest Ive ever rode but still, need to go ( and test out new saddle!_)
:(
This was my first experience with the ghost bikes. I was in Portland this week house hunting. Driving around like a mad woman to get acquainted with Portland area, and as I was driving on SE 39th Ave toward Halsey street, I saw a ghost bike tied to a light post. Someone had added a silver colored garland up the pole.
Seeing one in person when you don't expect it, it did affect me a lot. I just think of the tragedy, the lives lost, lives left behind...
Right or wrong on the street, we all need to realize the consequences. Nothing worse than taking a life.