In conjunction with National Bike Month, the local KCV cycling club is organizing a local event to remember cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways.

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, the Ride of Silence will begin in North American and roll across the globe. Cyclists are asked to take to the road in a silent procession. KCV is organizing a local leg of the Ride of Silence to take place at same time and date.

The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclist to ride no faster than 12 mph, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road and remain silent during the ride. There are no sponsors and no registration fees.

The ride aims to raise awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have the legal right to the public roadways and ask that we all share the road.

The origin of the Ride of Silence dates from 2003 when Larry Schwartz, a U.S. nationally ranked endurance cyclist, was hit and killed by a passing bus. His close friend, Chris Phelan, organized the first ride in Dallas and thought the ride would be a one-time event. There was no registration, no fees, no T-shirt, yet this ride drew 1,000 cyclists through word of mouth and emails over a period of 10 days.

Other cycling clubs expressed their interests to do the same in their communities and it has continually grown since the first ride. Last year, rides took place in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 26 foreign countries.

The local Ride of Silence takes place 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, starting from the Trailhouse bike shop, in the Village at Winona, traveling a total of 7 miles through Winona Lake and Warsaw. The complete route is to be announced at the start of the ride.

All that’s needed to participate is a bike and a helmet. Helmets are required and lights are recommended, but not required. The ride is free of charge and no registration is necessary. Riders are asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to the 7 p.m. start.