Ride of Silence Report: May 16, 2007 7:00 p.m.
Gaston Gazette article 5-16-07 (pdf file, opens in new window)
For photos, see Ride of Silence Photo Page
Organization: Gaston's second 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.
2007 marked the fifth year of this international event's existence,
& the second year of Gaston County's participation.
Route & Ride Pace: 7.5 miles, which took approximately 43 minutes to
complete. Riders proceeded in single file.
Roads Traveled: Start: Gaston County
Courthouse, Marietta St. Gastonia, NC. Right onto Marietta, Left onto Long (changed
name to Ozark), 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 Aaron Wurster and
Keith Quinn on motorcycles and Jimmy Arndt in a patrol
car. This was Officer Quinn's second year to provide escort for this ride.
They provided rolling support at all the intersections. The event wouldn't have been
possible without this type of specialized support.
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 60 riders participated in the procession, a 50%
increase over 2006.
For more information about the national movement of this event, see www.rideofsilence.com .