Ride of Silence: Strong, silent and determined

The 18th annual Ride of Silence is the year’s biggest and most emotional event for many members of the mid-Michigan cycling community, from occasional cruisers to regular commuters to avid touring cyclists.

Michigan bike riders can attest to the overall courtesy and acceptance of bicyclists on Michigan roads. However, all cyclists can also share stories of indifference, carelessness and outright hostility.

From 2020 to 2022, 103 bicyclists were killed in Michigan, an increase of 64% over the previous three-year period, according to the state Office of Highway Safety Planning.

The Ride of Silence commemorates those who were lost and quietly reasserts the right of bicyclists to share the road.

Riders will depart at 6:30 p.m. for a 9-mile round trip from the MSU Bikes Service Center to the Capitol, with an escort of police and bike patrol officers. A brief memorial ceremony at the Capitol, with guest speakers, will follow. Riders can then return to MSU or join the group at Ozone’s Brewhouse in Old Town “to celebrate the work of those in advocacy helping to make our roads safer for all cyclists.”

Helmets are required; lights and bright clothing are recommended for the ride home.

The ride will proceed if it rains, but if there’s severe weather, the alternate date is May 24 at the same starting point.