PLANO, Texas - Although they did not say a word, they refused to be silent. That was the spirit of the 50 cyclists who rode yesterday's Ride of Silence.
The Ride of Silence is an international group ride held on the third Wednesday in May, paying tribute to cyclists injured and killed by an automobile while riding their bike on public roadways. First held in Dallas in 2003, the event is growing internationally to over 300 locations worldwide. The signature feature is the cyclists' silence during the low-speed ride.
Plano's Tri Shop hosted the city's inaugural ride by providing sports drinks. A bagpiper greeted the group at the finish with a traditional rendition of "Amazing Grace."
Prior to the ride, victims hit by a car gave an emotional address to the cyclists. "Now is the time to live your life to the fullest," said Debbie McGreggor of Frisco, "don't let it take being hit by a car to change your life." A hit-and-run driver struck McGregor in 2010 in The Colony while training for a triathlon.
The driver of the car has not been found but the investigation continues.
The city recently designated and marked cycling routes with new signs and road decals.
According to Plano Police Department records, over 75 cyclists were injured while riding city streets since 2009.
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