Ride of Silence to remember fallen bicyclists

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — The Ride of Silence to remember cyclists killed and seriously injured is a worldwide initiative for road safety and is making its 14th annual Capital Region appearance. NEWS10 tagged along with the group of cyclists just before they kicked off their more than 15-mile round trip bike ride to raise awareness along the Central Avenue and Washington Avenue Extension.

“Washington Extension, Central Avenue are death traps,” exclaimed Patricia Sawyer.

As bikers began their trek they will see several Ghost Bikes along the trail, white painted bikes, that stand as memorials for people who were killed while riding their bike. You’ll see these ghost bikes at many locations throughout the Capital Region.

“To remind drivers that their actions will and can have terrible consequences,” said Albany Bicycle Coalition President, Edward Brennan.

The Ride of Silence covers a ton of ground. It passes through 40 states, 16 countries and five continents. Today’s ride started in Schenectady, heading up to Guilderland. And that’s just two of the 228 locations this ride will travel worldwide.

“He had everything he needed to. He was an avid bicyclist, and he did everything by the book. Yellow jacket, lights, reflectors. Everything,” said Sheri Lamb.

Sheri lost her brother, Joseph Crandall, when he was hit along Central Ave. back in November. She says she wants more done to provide safety along that route. “They need to have a bike path here on Central Ave. There’s a lot of people that can’t afford to drive a car and they have two wheels instead of four. So, we owe them something to be safe,” said Lamb.

Another family along the route remember their loved one, Roger Sawyer, a young man killed crossing the road on the Washington Ave. Ext. back in October of 2017, just ten days before his 31st birthday. Sawyer’s family including his mother Patricia talked to NEWS10 near his ghost bike. “So other parents didn’t have to go through this other family members shouldn’t have to go through this. Your children are not supposed to go before you,” said Sawyer. “It’s just been rough. It’s been rough, today. It’s still rough.”

But when it comes to healing, she had some advice for those suffering a loss like hers. “Put your energy somewhere that is good, something that involves them. Mine is making the streets safer trying to,” said Sawyer.

No matter what you may think, these cyclists and mourning families have the same, simple message, slow down.

“Share the road be cautious of other people,” said Sawyer.

“Just watch out for the bikes you know be safe be aware,” stated Lamb.

“When you see us out there, see a cyclist out there, or a motorcyclist or a pedestrian just give us some space. If there isn’t space to pass us, slowdown,” said Brennan.

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