Ride of Silence Tonight to Honor Injured Cyclists

Each year, bicyclists and walkers are injured or killed on America's streets. In University City, it was just a few months ago that Sam Scott was struck and killed while riding his bike home from work on a Friday night. 

The Ride of Silence is an international event that honors cyclists that have been killed and injured; raises awareness of cyclists on the road; and appeals to all to share the road. Trailnet has added a Walk of Silence to our local events to honor pedestrians that have been killed or injured. 

Sarah Hanly, a member of the mayor's task force on biking and walkability, is urging local residents to get out and participate tonight. The 10K ride or 5K walk begins and ends at the Missouri History Museum.

"We're focusing on distracting driving," she said. "This is a problem regardless of whether it is alcohol impairment or someone who is texting while driving."

Family members of those killed by distracted drivers will remember their loved ones, including the family of Sam Scott. Scott was while biking home from work. A Kirkwood woman was later charged with .

Tonight, Trailnet aims to honor the vulnerable road users who have been hit, injured, or killed by a motorist. Sam Scott’s family will be coming to St. Louis for the Ride and Walk of Silence. Another local victim, Jennifer Cole, will have family and friends there. 

Distracted driving — whether it’s because the driver has been drinking, is reaching to answer his or her phone, talking on the phone or texting, putting on make-up or flipping through CDs — is unacceptable. Cyclists, pedestrians and transit users (those walking to or waiting for transit), the young and the ageing, are highly vulnerable around motor vehicles under any circumstances, but distractions unnecessarily compound the danger.

So does road design that marginalizes cyclists, pedestrians and transit users. Debris, poor maintenance, and speed limits that result in recklessness can lead to accidents.

If You Go

• When: Wednesday, May 16
• Start/Finish: Missouri History Museum, Lindell Blvd. at DeBaliviere Ave.
• Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. - Remembrance and safety awareness; 6:30 p.m. - Memorial for Jennifer Cole, Sam Scott and the many others killed or injured in collisions with automobiles; 6:45 p.m. – Silent ride and walk starts. Bring lights and safety gear.