July 01, 2025
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Ride of Silence takes place May 19 in Ottawa to remember fallen cyclists on public roadways

Ride will begin at Thornton Park

By Michael Urbanec

Riders make their way down Lafayette Street in Ottawa during the 2019 Starved Rock Cycling Association's Ride of Silence. The Ride of Silence will return to Ottawa streets Wednesday, May 19. (Tom Sistak)

Starved Rock Cycling is hosting its Ride of Silence at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, leaving from Thornton Park in remembrance and honor of cyclists killed or injured while cycling on public roadways.

The Ride of Silence leaves from Thornton Park off of Lafayette Street and Boyce Memorial Drive, riding at 8 mpg at 6 p.m., and riders should be ready to line up at Thornton Park 15 minutes prior to leaving.

Free high visibility T-shirts will be available for first time riders while supplies last.

This is a free ride and organizers ask cyclists ride no faster than 10 mph, wear helmets and follow the rules of the road, remaining silent through the ride.

All riders must check in and sign a waiver, and COVID-19 guidelines will be followed.

The Starved Rock Cycling Association lost Dr. John Clayton Harbeck on Oct. 11, 2011, when he was struck from behind by a vehicle. He wore his high visibility colored jacket and was riding on a flat, open road with three other riders. Harbeck followed the rules. One other rider was injured.

Julian Wuylens was killed on Oct. 7, 2011, on West Superior and La Salle streets while using his bicycle to commute around town.