Ride of Silence will honor cyclists

   Honor cyclists who are killed or injured in road accidents and join a worldwide event at the Eighth Annual Temecula Ride of Silence scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21, in front of Temecula City Hall, 41000 Main St.

   The Ride of Silence started in 2003 to honor cyclist Larry Schwartz, killed by a passing bus in Dallas, Texas. It is now an international event held in more 300 cities and involving thousands of riders on the second Wednesday of May.

   The Ride of Silence is an opportunity to honor the more than 800 cyclists killed in traffic accidents each year in the United States and many more injured or killed around the world.

   Participants are encouraged to bring lights and helmets. Organizers will be handing out black arm bands bearing the names of cyclists who have been killed or injured in road accidents. Cyclists may also bring their own armbands if they wish.

   The ride is about 10 miles long, fairly flat and speed is kept to 10 mph or less.

   Riders wear black armbands and use lights on their bicycles to form a solemn procession. This year the route will be from City Hall to Overland, across Interstate 15 to Margarita Road, up to Jax Bicycles in Murrieta and back on the same route. Please be aware this is a nighttime ride on public roadways suitable for adults and teenagers who typically ride in traffic. Small children should be in trailers or with adults on tandems.

   There are no entry fees or costs. More information on the Ride of Silence can be found at www.rideofsilence.org.

   For more information, or to submit names of cyclists to be honored, go to www.rideofsilence.org   or contact Rick Peoples, rickpeoples@hotmail.com   or 951-764-4075.