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Assistant Managing Editor EAST LONGMEADOW Local cyclists and members of the Springfield Bicycling Club came together last Wednesday night for the annual Ride of Silence. A nationwide event, Wednesday marked the inaugural Ride of Silence for the local club. Organized by Board of Selectmen Chairman James Driscoll and Peter Englert, Manager of the Ski Haus in East Longmeadow, the ride focused on making motorists and others aware that bicycles belong on the road and deserve respect. It also served as a ride to remember and honor those who have been killed in bicycle/motor vehicle accidents, and also those who have been injured More than 50 bicyclists gathered at Romito's and Sons in East Longmeadow while a bag piper played "Amazing Grace," in advance of the ride. As cyclists left the parking lot at 7 p.m., the piper played and two East Longmeadow police cruisers escorted the group. Their route would take them into Springfield and Longmeadow, returning to East Longmeadow to conclude the ride. They had police escorts in each community. "This was to raise awareness that bikes do belong on the road, as well as cars -- there are also rules we need to follow," Englert explained. "A lot of us [bicyclists] experience road rage." Englert said he often hears of, or experiences, aggressive driving while biking on the road. He said people have yelled at him to "get off the road" and have even tried to side swipe him with a side mirror. "Last year a couple of club members were run off the road by an angry motorist," he added. "As soon as I saw this was happening, I registered us [the Springfield Bicycling Club] as a ride for the Ride of Silence." He said motorists need to understand that bikes need a little room, and some common courtesy. In addition, the Massachusetts Driver's Manual outlines rules for bicyclists to follow, such as moving with [in the same direction as] traffic, using hand signals, and riding single file in congested areas. Englert added that, while children may be the only ones legally required to wear a helmet, "it's a smart idea," for all cyclists to wear them. Englert said he has ridden in parts of Europe as well as the United States and that he has noticed a difference in attitudes toward bicyclists. "It seems like people [in Scotland and Italy] give cyclists a lot more respect than they do here. They give people a wider berth on bicycles," Englert said. "Ironically, those countries are known for having crazy drivers. Around here you get the impression from people that bikes don't belong on road." The Ride of Silence, which took place last Wednesday in over 250 locations nationwide, occurred during Bike Safety Month and Bike Commute Week. Englert said, in addition to the Ride of Silence, local bicyclists are welcome to participate in the Springfield Bicycling Club. In addition to a modest annual fee, cyclists must be comfortable averaging 14 miles per hour over moderate terrain. He added that this is a social bicycling club, not competitive. | ||||||
