Cycle Action Auckland is supporting the Ride of Silence this year to raise awareness about the growing number of cyclists in Auckland sharing the road and that by changing the perception that cycling is unsafe the roads will become safer for all users.
Publicity given to cycling fatalities when they occur, gives the perception that the roads are unsafe for cycling. However, of 129 fatalities in the Auckland Region last year, only one was a cyclist - the tragic death of Dr Robinson in a 'hit and run' on an open road in November 2009.
On Wednesday 19th May, Auckland cyclists will join others from 300 cities around the world to honour those who have been injured or killed on public roads and to ask that we all share the road. The 'Ride of Silence' brings cyclists together for a common cause on a slow and silent bike ride.
CAA Chair Mark Bracey says "Cycling is a relatively safe recreational sport and transport option in Auckland. But our members also want to acknowledge that cyclists can be vulnerable. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights. There are also times when motorists are simply not aware of the presence of cyclists on the road".
"We are spreading the message that cycling can be just as safe, if not safer, than other forms of transport, which is supported by a growing number of Aucklanders taking up cycling in recent years. It is therefore vital that motorists share our roads and note the increasing presence of cyclists ", says Mr Bracey.
"We encourage anyone who would like to acknowledge those affected by a road death or injury to come along and participate or just be there to support the cyclists," says one of the organisers Duncan Styles.
The Auckland Central 'Ride of Silence' will depart from Bike Central in Britomart Place at 7pm and will be preceded by a brief memorial. The ride itself is a 5 km circular route through the CBD and Viaduct. It was originally organised by members of the Old Codgers Bike Club, and this year includes representatives of VeloCity and Cycle Action Auckland. Details can be found at ocbc.ws.
A North Shore ride has been organised by the Devonport Xpressos, a social group of road cyclists. It will set off at 7pm from the Victoria Dairy (corner of Victoria Rd and Ewan Alison Ave), travelling as a loop along the Lake Rd cycle lane to Hauraki Corner.
The Ride of Silence started in 2003 in Dallas, Texas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was killed by a passing bus on an empty road. Since that time, the ride has developed into a global event and is now held in 18 countries.
