Ride of Silence

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Liberty Pole Way, Downtown Rochester

6:00-7:00 pm: onsite registration / pre-ceremony
 7:00 pm: Kickstands up

Police escort
8 miles; silent, casual-paced ride through the city
Helmets recommended   

On Wednesday May 15, cyclists all over the nation commit to being reflective, slowing down and quiet as we pay honor and respect to fallen cyclists who have either been injured or killed by a motor vehicle while riding their bicycles.

Black Girls Do Bike Rochester invites you to ride SILENTLY. Everyone is invited from racers to recreational riders, commuters, canal path coasters, and newbies alike! The only sounds during this ride will be that of our gear shifts, bikes wheels, and our thoughts as we remember and honor those who have been injured and/or killed while cycling. Rochester will join over 300 other cities in riding together as one, SILENT voice. 

The primary focus is the awareness and safety of cyclists, although, not our sole focus. We seek to bring this conversation to the forefront and to work collaboratively ensuring the safety of all individuals who share our roads as we labor towards completion of Vision Zero. 

Onsite registration starts at 6:00 PM followed by a pre-ride ceremony. We roll out at 7:00 pm sharp, onto a slow-paced, flat route, approximately 1 hour long bike ride  The only requirements to participate in this ride besides a bike and helmet are: the ability to ride along at about 10 mph and the desire to quietly celebrate the fallen. 

We hope you'll spend an evening away from the hectic lives we typically lead for this hour of quiet reflection. Please join us and over 10,000 other cyclists worldwide.

For more information on the Ride of Silence, please visit their website:www.rideofsilence.org, where you can find the inception of this event, statistics, previous ride reports, (yes including Rochester’s) videos/photos and a donation ability.

All riders should read the guidelines prior to attending.

Volunteers are needed. If you’re interested in volunteering, please email Kecia McCullough, Ride of Silence Coordinator at bgdbrochny@gmail.com  

Video Clip from the 2018 Ride
Photos from the 2018 ride
Photos from the 2017 ride
Photos from the 2015 ride
Penfield Cable's video of the 2011 event