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Community Corner

Ride of Silence Honors Bicycle Accident Victims

More than 100 riders will travel through Fox Point silently, two by two.

On Wednesday, more than 100 bicyclists will solemnly ride through Fox Point for the Ride of Silence, in memory of bicycle accident victims and as a reminder of the importance of bicycle safety.

The free, volunteer-run ride will start rain or shine at 7 p.m. in parking lot, 6940 N. Santa Monica Blvd.

An international event, the Ride of Silence takes place simultaneously in 18 countries and seven Wisconsin cities, including Fox Point, Appleton, Lake Geneva, Oshkosh, Racine, Viroqua and Waukesha.

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“The Ride of Silence is to honor people who died in accidents, were injured or traumatized, and to remember those we’ve lost. It’s also about learning safety and how to be a survivor,” said Chris Kegel, president of Wheel & Sprocket.

“Last year it was a powerful event,” Kegel said. “No one talks. We ride safely and obey the rules of the road. It’s interesting to see a hundred people riding two by two.”

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Kegel said Wheel & Sprocket will begin classes on bicycle safety beginning in June. “You have to obey the rules of the road and pay attention at intersections. Be predictable, be bright and use common sense,” he said.

Kegel recommends parents take bicycle safety seriously, and teach their kids to be predictable riders in small steps. And Fox Point parents may be doing just that as Police Chief Tom Czaja says that bicycle accidents are a rare occurrence in the village.

“The rate of bicycle accidents in Fox Point is very low. In the first three quarters of 2010 there were three at three different locations,” said Czaja.

Each year in Wisconsin, nearly 1,000 bicyclists are injured and an average of 11 people die in bicycle crashes, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

A U.S. Department of Transportation study showed that 23 percent of bicycle crashes are the result of a motorist not following the 3-foot rule, which requires motorists to give bicyclists three feet of clearance.

As a reminder of that rule, some Fox Point bicyclists will ride with 3-foot flags attached to their bikes.

Yellow safety T-shirts will also be available to the first 100 participants in the Fox Point race.

Participating bicyclists are reminded to observe bicycle safety at the event and wear helmets and bright colors, use mirrors and lights, and follow the rules of the road. 

For more information on the Ride of Silence, visit their website here.

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