The Corvallis Ride of Silence is a solemn yearly remembrance of cyclists who have been injured or killed on Corvallis roads. One of its goals is to raise awareness of the numbers of people who ride bikes, and ask that all share the road safely.
This year’s annual ride is set for Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30pm. All are welcomed.
The International Ride of Silence started in 2003 in Dallas, and is held annually on the third Wednesday in May. It has grown to include over four hundred locations worldwide in 44 states and on five continents. This event will be the 20th annual ride in Corvallis. The local Ride of Silence started after Robin Jensen, a sheriff’s cadet and Aquatic Center staff member, was killed by a hit and run driver in August 2004. Other local cyclists who have died include Randall Fox in 2016, Eric Austin in 2018, Jeremy Gruver in 2019, and Sherry Sisson, who was hit on the Alsea Highway southwest of Corvallis in 2021.
Austin had been a copy editor and writer at The Advocate at the time of his death.
A white-painted “Ghost Bike” has been appearing on streets and roads in Benton County marking locations where bicyclists have been hurt or killed. The bicycle has information cards about the Ride. The Ghost Bike is a reminder that there are thousands of bikes on the streets each day, each one with a vulnerable rider on board.
The Ride of Silence is a free ride suitable for cyclists of all levels, according to coordinator Jay Thatcher. “Just wear a helmet and share the road. The leaders will stop often to let the line regroup.” Riders should gather for a simple ceremony in front of Osborn Aquatic Center, 1940 NW Highland Dr., at 6:30 pm. The ride will begin promptly at 7:00 pm and is planned to last just over an hour. Armbands will be available
for riders remembering friends or family.
Do you have a story for The Advocate? Email editor@corvallisadvocate.com