Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Honor The Fallen Bike Ride @ 7 PM Friday

If you ride a bicycle in the Tampa Bay area, you know the feeling when you hear about yet another bicyclist who has been killed while riding a bike around here.

It's a kick to the stomach.

Since July 29, the fallen cyclists have ranged from a retired 75-year-old two-star admiral in Tampa to a restaurant dishwasher in St. Pete to an elementary school teacher in new Tampa to a 30-year-old PhD cancer researcher near the USF campus.

Everyday people -- not unlike you or me.

The way I deal with issues is by hopping on my bike and cycling it out.

So another bicyclist, Josh Holton, and I are leading an "Honor The Fallen Bike Ride" on Friday at 7 PM from the Seminole Heights Garden Center, 5800 Central Avenue just north of Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa.

It will be a respectful 15-mile bike ride to downtown Tampa and through Channelside and Ybor City and back to Seminole Heights.

Nothing fancy -- kind of like a low-key Critical Mass, kind of like a Ride of Silence.

A reverent ride to remember those bicyclists whose lives have been claimed on the streets around here.

Helmets and lights are required. Easy 10-12 mph pace.

All riders ride at their own risk and assume responsibility for their personal safety.

No comments: