BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

Take a look at the memorial directory...truly sad.

i've done these in columbus, the mayor there rides in them... its intense, there are speeches, really worthwhile

This video is up on CNN regarding the 'Ride of Silence', and ditto... it should catch in here.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/05/27/ride.of.silence/index.html

We had talked of organizing something similar for the young girls in Beaver County, but if anything came of it, I missed it.

A ride of silence through Indiana Township/Fox Chapel seems appropriate at this moment.

I am tied up with houseguests all weekend, but perhaps the following Sunday?

i, too, would be in for doing this, personally can't the following Sunday you suggested, but the one after that (6/13) is doable. one way or another, whether i can make it or not, i would like to see it come together.

I'd love to do this, I'm sure plenty of others would too - but having the ride during the MS150 (6/12, 6/13) wouldn't be too good - I imagine the Indiana Township man's team would like to ride.

+1 robjdlc

How about, since his situation seems to be the igniting force for getting this started here, we have them pick the date. Then whoever can make it, can.

Agree.

There's some discussion of a Memorial Day ride of silence amongst the Wheelmen; I'll pass along anything that comes of it.

+1

Dan, if you don't mind, keep after that and let me know. Since I seem to have found a crack in the door at KDKA, I would want to let them know asap!

My month is busy; MS150, Tour De Cure.... but I'm definitely interested if it falls on an open date.

@edmonds59: Will do. Scott B. is also in the email chain with the WPW, so one of us will hopefully remember to post any updates.

Let's try for Memorial Day. Lots of people have off that day. We should also coordinate with Nick for a ghost bike tribute.

I'm off that day. I'll ride.

I have out of town guests coming and going that day, so can't make Memorial Day.

I did forward the idea of a Ride of Silence to Don's co-workers at ApTech. This is what I got in response:

Thank you for the email, Don was wonderful person and will be missed dearly by all who knew him. The Ride of Silence sounds like a wonderful honor and I will forward your contact information to XXX. He is a close family friend to Don and can help determine the next step. (He's also the "new"

leader of the ApTech MS150 team.)

I'm not that fast or great on my bike, but I can still ride. If this happens please post details.

I am supposed to work Memorial Day (joys of retail), but i may be able to get someone to come in for me. If I can't I am off at 6.

I can probably do Monday evening.....

Monday night sounds good to me as well.

This latest death happened on a suburban commuting route, and I would like to draw attention to that, and ride the approximate commuting route Don took.

My mind was to do the ride at actual commuting time (even though Labor Day), again to commemorate it was a commute. Comments?

Jim Logan

WPW

jimlogan@verizon.net

It's kind of seeming like an early afternoon/evening event would allow more people to get there. Let's say it would be the evening commute time. Plus I wouldn't want it to infringe on anyone's actual Memorial Day observations, which normally take place mornings, I have to respect that also.

Is there a logical place to set an assembly point for people to group up before the actual ride to the location? I'm not entirely familiar with the area, but maybe the plaza at the intersection of 8 and Saxonburg?

Also, does anyone know the approximate route Don commuted?

Here is what I am thinking? I am thinking it is important to ride the commute route. However, because of the terraine, I see it wise to start in Fox Chapel, ride to approximately Saxonburg and Harts Run, and then return. Cyclists that want a shorter ride can meet us at Saxonburg Blvd and Harts Run.

I am thinking 7 AM. If 2000 of us can get up for Pedal Pittsburgh or the MS150, we can do so for a memorial ride. Thoughts?

Someone please give me offlist the email contact of the person at Aptech.

Jim Logan

jimlogan@verizon.net

Perhaps something (and not to detract from don by any means) right through the city would be more visible. There is a parade on Monday right(i really am not sure)? I think that doing it post parade when there are MANY people to see and be impacted by this on of all day Memorial Day. The whole idea is to memorialize ALL those lost or injured, Don being one of the most recent.

Here is my proposal plan and message. The main question is the 7 AM start time. M

Please give me feedback, positive or negative, clarifying or improving, at first opportunity? (at jimlogan@verizon.net) The most specific topic is the start time, I think.

The guidelines for Rides of Silence are that they should not be organized by specific organized, but can be endorsed by same. So this will not be a WPW ride per se.

I will look to the WPW for ride marshalls.

Also, will someone volunteer to contact the Indiana Twp Police Dept, inform them of the ride, and ask for their support?

Jim Logan

===========================================

Memorial Day Ride of Silence in Memory of Donald Parker

On Thursday May 27th Donald Parker, 52, of Clearfield Rd, Hampton Twp, was struck by a car and died while commuting. The Western PA Wheelmen and Bike Pgh are endorsing a Ride of Silence (http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php) that will ride portions of Don's commuting route. We will start at the Waterworks Mall in Fox Chapel and ride to the Intersection of Harts Run Rd and Saxonburg Blvd. At that point the we will turn around, and the official Ride of Silence will start, as Don was struck and killed climbing the hill on Harts Run Rd from Saxonburg Blvd to Dorseyville Rd. Approximately there-and-back mileage is 16 miles.

You are encouraged to wear a black arm im memoriam of riders killed, and a red arm band if you have been injured by a motorist.

Plan:

- We assembly at the Waterworks Mall Parking in Fox Chapel lot near the Dollar Bank end of the parking lot at 6:45 AM, leaving at 7:00 AM.

- We ride the 8 miles to Harts Run Rd and Saxonburg Blvd.

- Those who wish to ride a shorter distance should meet us at the intersection of Harts Run Rd and Saxonburg Blvd at approximately 7:45 AM.

- On the return, we will ride silently from from Saxonburg Blvd to Harts Run Rd in memory of Donald and other riders killed by vehicles.

- We will ride as a group, slowly there and back, at least until we get to the top of the descrent back down Fox Chapel Rd.

- Please treat this ride with the dignity it deserves.

- Helmets required.

- We will recruit road marshalls for the front and rear of the group the day of the event.

What is a Ride of Silence?

Cyclists riding slowly (no faster than 12 MPH) in silence (public assembly) and in the below goals:

o Mourning those cyclists killed or injured

o Cycling is not going to be chased or intimidated off the streets we legally share

o Cyclists want only to share the road with motorists

o Making motorists aware of the life long legal, as well as life changing, problems that can ensue from killing a cyclist

Jim Logan

jimlogan@verizon.net

Hi Jim,

Being a holiday, I don't know that having the ride start at 7am would get much, if any, visibility. On a standard commuting day, I could see riding with morning commuters, but if they're all in bed, there isn't much point. I know many cyclists here have retail type jobs and still have to work on Monday during the day.

I, myself was thinking an evening ride would be ideal. We would have a far better turn out of riders, and hopefully get press coverage as well. An evening commuting time would still fall under the suburban commuter umbrella.

Just my few cents. Thanks for taking the reins on the planning front.

(copy: Jim's email address)

Ditto, dwillen. While I appreciate it being a tribute to the commute, its extremely important that what we do gets seen. The media has brushed over this incident, and that needs to change.

Having it in the evening would be ideal for both people showing up for it, as well as media coverage.

I agree with Dan and Rob.

First, I am one of those with a retail job. Second, last year, when Ruihui Lin was killed, having a ghost bike lock up ceremony in at dusk worked very well to draw attention to the situation.

I (with Robs help), plan on launching a ghost bike at dusk Sunday or Monday evening. To me, the evening seems like a peaceful and appropriate time, and we will also be able to maximize the attendants.

However, if you do a early morning ride, I will do my best to make it for at least a portion of it.

i should be able to make it for either time, but generally feel the evening might also get a better turn out.

More important than turnout or publicity, I'm just going to reiterate my previous point; at the crack of dawn on that day, veterans and others actually observing Memorial day, as opposed to those just celebrating the day off work, will head to solemn observances and parades, etc, and I think a ride at that time that might potentially impact those observing the day would just be super bad P.R.

Can we do the ride exactly as laid out by Jim Logan, but change the a.m. to p.m. (making the ride on Monday evening.)

I have folks in from out of town who have to be at the airport on Monday morning. I absolutely can not participate in an early morning ride.

I really, really would like this to take place along Don's commute route. I think that is the visibility we need. It also reminds local law enforcement that we are paying attention to their treatment of cyclists.

Jim, I'll pm you the Aptech contact email.

I am out of time, so I went public with my plans. For me, the idea of evening is horribly inconvenient - people have families, people have lives, people have celebration plans. If you want to arrange a second evening ride, that is great. My life is booked this weekend, and I'll be out of touch by email from now until 4 PM Sunday.

For me this is more about the cycling community standing witness on its own account rather than impacting the community at large.

Memorial Day Ride of Silence in Memory of Donald Parker

========================================

On Thursday May 27th Donald Parker, 52, of Clearfield Rd, Hampton Twp, was struck by a car and died while commuting (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10148/1061316-54.stm) . The Western PA Wheelmen and Bike Pgh are endorsing a Ride of Silence (http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php) that will ride portions of Don's commuting route. We will start at the Waterworks Mall in Fox Chapel and ride to the Intersection of Harts Run Rd and Saxonburg Blvd. At that point the we will turn around, and the official Ride of Silence will start, as Don was struck and killed climbing the hill on Harts Run Rd from Saxonburg Blvd to Dorseyville Rd. Approximately there-and-back mileage is 16 miles.

Donald Parker was captain of the Aptech MS150 team.

You are encouraged to wear a black arm im memoriam of riders killed, and a red arm band if you have been injured by a motorist.

Plan:

- We assembly at the Waterworks Mall Parking in Fox Chapel lot near the Dollar Bank end of the parking lot at 6:45 AM, leaving at 7:00 AM.

- We ride the 8 miles to Harts Run Rd and Saxonburg Blvd.

- Those who wish to ride a shorter distance should meet us at the intersection of Harts Run Rd and Saxonburg Blvd at approximately 7:45 AM.

- On the return, we will ride silently from from Saxonburg Blvd to Harts Run Rd in memory of Donald and other riders killed by vehicles.

- We will ride as a group, slowly there and back, at least until we get to the top of the descrent back down Fox Chapel Rd.

- Please treat this ride with the dignity it deserves.

- Helmets required.

- We will recruit road marshalls for the front and rear of the group the day of the ride.

What is a Ride of Silence?

Cyclists riding slowly (no faster than 12 MPH) in silence (public assembly) and support of the below goals:

o Mourning those cyclists killed or injured

o Cycling is not going to be chased or intimidated off the streets we legally share

o Cyclists want only to share the road with motorists

o Making motorists aware of the life long legal, as well as life changing, problems that can ensue from killing a cyclist

Also Scott Bricker at Bike-Pgh reports and encourages:

The bill that has been proposed in PA is a 4-foot passing law - please call your state reps and senators to support them:

(HB1110) require motorists give four feet passing clearance and (HB1109) makes recklessly endangering bicyclists a misdemeanor . Contact your State Senator asking to support (SB776) which is the Senate version of the four foot passing bill.

Jim Logan

Jim,

Thank you for pulling this all together.

While I can't be there in person, I will be with you in spirit. In MS150 terms that will make me a "Virtual Rider" for the Ride of Silence.

I am certain that you and the other riders will represent us well in this solemn event.

When he says "went public", anybody know if this went to the media, KDKA, etc? Scott?

Well it would have been nice if I could make this ride (since I did start the thread) but now since I Have long standing plans for memorial day and the time of start and location is VERY difficult to make for me I guess that I wont be there. Thanks Jim.

I guess everyone saying Monday AM is bad didn't matter, oh well.

Anyone driving out there from Pittsburgh with an extra spot for a bike? Or anyone planning to ride out waaay early in the morning?

I'll be there in spirit. Already committed to ride the Danny Chew led century that leaves at the same time.

Look at it, I don't think I will be able to make it in the morning.

Hmm.

Looks like Mr. Logan had to make a call, and made it for Monday morning.

Judging by the posts since (and before), looks like most can't do Monday.

Having a competing event may dilute the (media) impact. However, having an event with too few participants may be a net loser, in terms of media impact.

It is a shame Mr. Logan had to make his call so early.

I thought Sunday evening sounded like a good time: Sunday for the cyclists, Monday for the soldiers.

Tough call now, though.

Let's not bicker. A time has been set, and the media alerted. The WORST thing that could happen now is for no one to show up.

If you can be there, then DO IT. If you can't, then be there in spirit.

Anyone interested in trying to do another similar ride for the people that cannot make early on Monday like Sunday night or later in the day on Monday?

Nick, I am working on that now.

Here is a link to the FB event page.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131294446887134

I can go to the ride Monday morning and have a car where I can fit inside my bike plus another one (specially if it has quick-release). In fact, my car (station wagon) can fit more bikes on it's roof, but I have never done it since don't know how does one properly secure a bike on it, but if anyone has an idea, let me know, because I coul ride more people.

It would be a shame if no one can attend, so yeah, send me a PM if you're interested.

That early in the morning is going to be unpleasant, but I think I can deal with a little bit of discomfort, under the circumstances. I'll be there.

Dan, i'm potentially up for an early ride, depending on when we'd have to leave, but i also have a car and can probably borrow my neighbor's rack if you want to go that way. or, bikeygirl, we could ride with you if you can fit more. Thank you, Logan.

I'd much rather drive out there with someone if given the choice. Riding all the way out there at 5:30 am is not something I want to do.

I will be going tonight to the event, but I have two guests visiting from NYC and will not be able to do the event tomorrow morning. Jim had to make a call and I respect that. I hope lots of other people can make it.

I'll probably try to make it tonight and tomorrow.

Just to report that the 'Ride of Silence' went well this morning. There were about 100 people who showed up for support. It was a good ride overall, and except for some misunderstandings at the befinning, it went without a glitch.

Thank you to those who showed up,

And to the organizers as well.

It was a good turnout. Thanks for organizing it Jim, and thanks bikeygirl for waking up extra early in order to drive me out there. I really appreciate it.

In addition what I understand of Don Parker being a wonderful person, the man was clearly also a fearless tank.

It was a good ride. My thanks also to Bikeygirl for driving.

I wish I could have made it. Glad there was a nice turn out.

From this morning,

http://i.imgur.com/mlWiW.jpg

Since that worked, also,

http://i.imgur.com/B4ZaU.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/hdldp.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mzJj6.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/KEHSh.jpg

it was a really good ride. sad that we had to have it.

Wow, that size crowd is amazing, and I know of several more, including myself, who would have been there if they'd been able to.

Thanks, edmonds59, for the great photos, too. I just wish we had a better reason for a ride.

@StuInMcCandles... better reason for a ride.... why don't we organize a ride that is about celebrating cycling.... Personally I've been at (2) memorials within one week, for people who died senselessly, so I'm game to go on a ride that celebrates life, courage, and the belief that things can get & be better.

Obviously, with the recent attack on ELB things still somber in here, but gosh-darn it, we need to turn the mood around!!!! Who's with me?

Photos from today's Ride of Silence are here:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30854621&l=2fb1f5ed25&id=1421877476

WTAE did some interviews, and I understand it was on at least at noon today.

Also, we talked to the Post Gazette and a reporter called back this evening.

jesus this truly brought me to tears. I simply don't understand how this can fail to move anyone out of complacency.

P-G article is here.

Sounds like everyone's response is o.k. with the family, which is good to know.

WTAE story is on the web: http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/allegheny/23747616/detail.html

Too bad they didn't have more footage. The camera guy only filmed us leaving the parking lot.

I'm glad that the family is cool with everything that's been done, and that they feel the 'love' from the community towards them.... somehow it makes me feel better.

Also, while is under such unfortunate circumstances, I'm glad to see everyone putting their 2-cents in getting the message through the ghost-bike & the ride of silent (and through the media's attention), that we as cyclists want things to change: for cyclists to be respected NOT ONLY by other drivers in the road, but to be also respected and given better-or-equal rights by the police and our laws.

Thank you everyone

Let's keep the momentum going!