Disappointing Ride of Silence

[li10up]

Our local RoS was disappointing to me. We only had 9 riders participate. It was organized by our bike club president but from what I can tell he did not publicize it at all. He did call a local TV station but they didn’t show up on time and the ride started at 7pm as planned so we had no media coverage. We also rode in the downtown area which is practically a ghost town after 5pm. So we really didn’t get our message out about sharing the road and remembering those cyclist killed or injured by motorists on our roadways.

So, next year I’m considering being the ride organizer. What can I do to make this better attended and to let the public know why we are out there?

[mimitabby]

Well tell the newspaper and local bike clubs.
and we moved our time up to 630 because it's too dark otherwise.

[li10up]

Well tell the newspaper and local bike clubs.
and we moved our time up to 630 because it's too dark otherwise.

There is only one local bike club and only 9 members showed up for the ride. Nobody from the general public was there. I realize that the local newspaper needs to be notified, but what other (inexpensive) ways can the public be notified?

[mimitabby]

some radio stations will do free advertising of local events.
talk to your library; how about the bike shops in your area?
(I'm starting to feel spoiled living in Seattle!)

[Python]

Also put notices in:

Schools
Colleges
Mother and Toddler Groups
Creches
Nurseries (Kindergarten?)
Community Centres
Businesses
Local Shops and Stores
Supermarkets

etc.

and advertise well in advance.

[mtbdarby]

Just a thought here. I tried to organize one here but had an insurance issue. The city required a permit which required an insurance policy WITH unmbrella. Without the umbrella the insurance was $350. The local bike club would have donated $100 but without being able to charge for the ride I would have had to go on a donation campaign. One bike store said he would contribute but then wouldn't committ to a dollar amount. Any one else run into this and what did you do?