The Bellevue Bicycle Club will observe the International Ride of Silence on May 21st at 7:00 pm. This year marks the 23rd Anniversary of this event, which is designed to honor the memories of those killed in car-bike accidents or injured. It is to bring increased awareness to the safety needs of Cyclists while riding on the roads. Last year in Nebraska, pedestrian and cycling accidents took a sharp increase, prompting cycling activists to form the Safe Trails Initiative and begin work with city officials to help keep our streets and trails safe for active commuters and trail users.
There were three cyclists’ deaths in Nebraska in 2024, following six deaths in 2023, including one high-profile cyclist when a cardiologist and electrophysiologist with Methodist Physicians Clinic, Dr. Matthew Latacha, was pronounced dead at the scene near 252nd Street and Rainwood Road. Motorists and cyclists need to be aware of their surroundings and the laws relating to cyclists to avoid accidents.
This year’s Omaha metro area Ride of Silence will be held on May 21, leaving at 7PM from the Twin Creek Trailhead Parking lot, 3602 Raynor Parkway, Bellevue, NE.
This is the 23rd year of the International “Ride of Silence.” The ride will traverse and unite the globe as nothing before it. Cyclists will 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.
In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed.
The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its 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 on the Third Wednesday of May, aims to raise 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.
About the Bellevue Bicycle Club
Founded in 2003, the Bellevue Bicycle Club’s mission is the encouragement and support of cycling in all its forms. We sponsor cycling activities of our own, provide interested parties with tours of local trails, offer instruction in bicycle maintenance and safety, and provide members an opportunity to share their experiences and come together in fun social activities. Our members participate in many multi-day rides in the Omaha area and around the country.
We promote bicycling as transportation with Bike to Work Day support and advocate the safest of cycling practices. With the support of local bike shops, funds in the past have gone to the Omaha Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Heartland Family Services, Make-A-Wish Nebraska, Sarpy County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), and Team RWB, among others.
We welcome riders of all ages and encourage bicycling as a family activity. Our weekly Saturday Morning Coffee ride or the Monthly Sunday afternoon Ride are great ways for us to meet you and introduce you to our rapidly growing ranks. We meet at the Twin Creek trailhead behind Culver’s in Bellevue (3602 Raynor Pkwy) and ride at an easy pace. We stop for breakfast along the way and finish the ride home. The start times change with the seasons and are updated on our website https://BellBikeClub.org and calendar.
Our meetings are monthly, usually the first Monday of the month at 6:30 PM at the Sump Memorial Library in Papillion. (check the calendar to verify location). Our meetings are open, and we welcome visitors. Attending a meeting is another excellent way for you to get acquainted with our group and our activities.
