Gainesville cyclists memorialize victims of bicycle crashes at annual Ride of Silence

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Bicycle enthusiasts gathered at Depot Park for the second annual Ride of Silence, to honor those who have lost their life while riding.

The Share the Road Memorial in Depot Park memorializes the lives of two Gainesville bicyclists that were hit and killed. In 1996, two were killed and four were injured by a distracted driver. Parts of the destroyed bikes are on display at the memorial.

Dozens of riders rode from Depot Park to Boulware Springs Park to increase visibility on bicycles.

Leaders with UF Health Shands Trauma Center teamed up with the event, passing out free helmets to children.

“Being able to say my same red silver and blue helmets out on the road makes me happy to kind of see that and say I made the difference there I was able to provide that free helmet I was able and make sure that person that child that adult stays a lot safer,” said Brian Dean, an outreach coordinator for the center.

Dean and organizer George Dondanville say they hope both drivers and riders take bike safety seriously.

“Bicycle accidents are still one of the leading cause of injuries in our area. Florida ranks in the top two of all states in the country year after year and simply wearing a helmet can reduce your chance of traumatic brain injury by 85%,” Dean said.

Organizers hope increased visibility on bicycle safety gets closer to the goal of zero bicycle-related deaths.

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