Ride of Silence A Personal Event for Many at Waukesha Event

The annual world-wide Ride of Silence had personal meaning for people in Waukesha last night as they rode in memory of close friends and family members who died from injuries sustained while cycling.

Unlike most rides, there was no talking as the cyclists rode through town. A light drizzle and overcast skies underlined the somber mood of the event.

The ride is supposed to be “like a funeral procession to make everyone aware that this is the kind of thing that can happen when drivers are inattentive, aggressive or do not follow the traffic laws,” said event organizer Laura Fisher of the Spring City Spinners.

Simple actions by drivers can mean the difference between life and death for a cyclist: slowing down, waiting for a clear spot to pass and allowing three feet of distance when passing.

Many riders wore shirts that said “Three Feet,” a reminder of the state law that requires three feet distance when passing a bicycle.

“Bicycles should be treated like any other vehicle. We have equal rights to be on the road, and equal responsibilities, too," Fisher said. "We all need to make sure we follow the rules of the road."

The ride was held in memory of people who have died or been injured while cycling. Locally, the deaths of three men, two last year and one in 2009, have added significance for club members.

Jeff Littmann was a well-known trainer, cyclist and owner of Attitude Sports, Pewaukee, who died from injuries sustained last October after being hit by a car while on a morning ride. The driver of the car wasn’t ticketed.

Brett Netke of Waukesha died last June after being hit by a car whose driver was later ticketed for failing to allow the required passing distance for a bicycle, resulting in a fine and license suspension, according to newspaper reports.

Allen Belonger died in July 2009 after hitting the side of a truck when its driver misjudged his speed and turned in front of him, according to reports. The driver wasn’t ticketed.

Before the ride, the group was led in prayer by Pastor Ken Rankin from Peace Lutheran Church in New Berlin and listened to Rachel Bishop, Netke’s sister, and Kelly Littmann, Littmann’s wife, speak of their loved ones.

Rachel Bishop said she never imagined she would be speaking about her late brother, who was killed not far from Waukesha on Highway 18 in Summit. She said she hoped that the ride would offer some measure of healing for their grief.

“I believe this accident should have never happened, and I believe when cyclists follow the rules of the road there should never be a fear of injury or death while cycling," Bishop said. "I hope that this can be a symbol for others who are watching us on the road today and maybe there will be fewer tragedies.”

Before the ride, participants listened to a poem read by Fisher, written by Mike Murgas and distributed by Ride of Silence:

"Tonight we number many but ride as one
In honor of those not with us, friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, sons
With helmets on tight and heads down low,
We ride in silence, cautious and slow ...

Tonight's ride is to make others aware
The road is there for all to share …"

Things to consider about sharing the road with bicycles, from the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin:

• Under Wisconsin law, bicycles are vehicles, and their operators have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.
• Bicycles may legally be used on any road in Wisconsin except interstates, expressways and controlled access highways.
• Bicyclists are supposed to ride as far to the right as practicable, which means safe and reasonable. There are many instances in which it is not safe or reasonable to ride on the far right.
• Riding on the sidewalk is prohibited in many Wisconsin jurisdictions.
• Just because someone is on a bike does not mean that they are moving more slowly than you. Especially when traveling downhill, some cyclists can reach speeds of more than 40 miles per hour. It is unsafe and illegal to pass or turn in front of a bicyclist when they are traveling at or near your speed.
• Be especially cautious around young bicyclists. Children have developmental and physical limitations that can make them unpredictable.