Express press service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For cyclists, safety on the roads is still a challenge with the lack of necessary infrastructure leading to accidents. In order to raise awareness about the safety of cyclists on the roads and sensitize the public and relevant authorities to create proper cycle routes, cycling clubs and enthusiasts in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi are organizing a “Ride of Silence” on Wednesday.

May 18 also marks the 20th anniversary of the Ride of Silence. This is an international event celebrated in more than 200 countries that aims to raise awareness among motorists, police and municipal authorities that cyclists have a legal right on public roads.

Prakash P Gopinath, Cycling Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram, said: “The mission of the Ride of Silence is to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured in road accidents, to promote the idea of ​​sharing the road and raise awareness of cyclist safety. Ride of Silence was launched in Dallas, Texas in 2003 after cyclist Larry Schwartz died from being hit by a school bus mirror. The first carousel was organized a few weeks later in his memory by his friend to whom many people were present.

Last year, the ride was held in Guwahati. “This year we are planning to organize the ride in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. In the capital, the ride will depart from Kowdiar Park at 6am and end at Kanakakunnu covering places such as Kuravankonam, Plamoodu and PMG. The trek is organized by the Indus Cycling Embassy (ICE) with the support of the BYCS India Foundation, a non-partisan organization that aims to improve the quality of life for all citizens and make the country conducive to cycling. and slow,” Prakash said.

As this is a memorial ride, the maximum speed limit will be 15 km/h. The ride will kick off at 6am and IPS Officer Vijayakumar Narayanan will be the guest of honour. A similar journey will take place in Kochi from Durbar Hall at 6am to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor. The ride in Kochi is organized under the auspices of Cycle with Kochi, Kochi corporation and Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML).

The guest of honor is CSML CEO, Shanavas S. The aim is to raise awareness of the need to make the roads safer for cyclists and the authorities to understand the need for safe cycle paths,” said Shine Jose, member of Cycle with Kochi.