International Ride of Silence - May 21, 2025

The Ride of Silence has traversed and united the globe as cyclists take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Although cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists, the motoring public often isn't aware of these rights, and sometimes not aware of the cyclists themselves.

The Ride of Silence is an international event that occurs at 7 p.m. local time on the third Wednesday in May (National Bike Month). Last year, rides took place in over 40 countries. The first Ride of Silence was organized in Dallas Texas in 2003 following the death of a cyclist who was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and killed.

The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road and remain silent during the ride. There are no registration fees.  The ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for and honor the lives of those who have been killed or injured.

This year the WWBPA will be combined with a short 15-mile pre-ceremonial ride led by the PFW. The pre-event ride will start at 5:15 from the West Windsor branch of the Mercer County Library and arrive at the West Windsor Senior Center (both are part of the larger municipal complex) on Clarksville Road for a group photo by 6:45 pm. Cyclists will register and sign a waiver and begin the ceremonial ride at 7 p.m. for a 10-mile, 10-12 mph ride with a police escort.