Ride of Silence Report:   May 17, 2006 7:00 p.m.

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For more photos, see Ride of Silence Photo Page

Organization:  Gaston's first time participation in this event was organized by Doc Bradshaw, the current leader of the Coasters Cycling Group & an active member of the Gaston County Cyclists.   The ride was a slow-paced procession of cyclists riding single file.

Purpose:  The ride was in tribute & in remembrance of those riders that have been killed in motor vehicle accidents, and to raise awareness to the importance of sharing the road.

2006 marked the fourth year of this international event's existence, & the first year of Gaston County's participation.   Approximately 200 rides were organized worldwide.

Route & Ride Pace: 7.5 miles, which took approximately 44 minutes to complete.  Riders proceeded in single file. 

Roads Traveled:  Start:  Gaston County Courthouse, Marietta St. Gastonia, NC.  Right onto Marietta, Left onto Long, Right onto New Hope, Left onto Court, Right at Emergency Entrance to Hospital, Turned at circle, Right onto Court, Right onto Cox, Right onto Aberdeen, merged onto Franklin, Right onto Marietta, Left at Gaston County Courthouse.

Support & City Approval:   The Gastonia City Police provided fantastic support for our event, with officers Mark Tilley and Keith Quinn on motorcycles and Steve Lynch in a patrol car.  The provided rolling support at all the intersections.  The Ride of Silence was the first ever event to be manned by Gastonia motorcycle officers.  The event probably wouldn't have been possible without this type of specialized support. 
Additionally, the Gastonia Fire Department provided a fire engine at the rear of the procession. 
Ride organizer Doc Bradshaw obtained a parade permit beforehand, which was approved by the appropriate authorities.

Cost: There was no fee, nor was the ride a fund-raiser.  Strictly speaking, the ride was not a protest. Our purpose was to honor the fallen, and to encourage motorists and cyclists to share the road.

Participants: About 40 riders participated in the procession.

Problems:  No significant problems were encountered, except one rider flatted about 500 feet from the end.  She finished the event walking!

For an account of rides from around the world, see the 424kb pdf file 2006 Ride of Silence Worldwide .

For more information about the national movement of this event, see www.rideofsilence.com .