Geneva resident Bruce Feinberg has a goal of cycling 5,000 miles this year.
On Wednesday, he joined about 100 of his fellow cyclists in the international Ride of Silence to honor bicyclists killed/injured by motorists, promote sharing the road and provide awareness of bicycling safety.
“I just think it’s a worthwhile cause,” Feinberg said.
This is is the first year the Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club has participated in the ride. Feinberg is a member of the group.
The ride began at the Kane County Government Center in Geneva and participants took part in a silent, solemn, seven-mile single-file procession through Geneva and St. Charles. South Elgin resident Karie Beverly said she has had her share of close calls with motorists.
“They get too close to me or lean on their horns like somehow we’re interrupting their day or slowing them down or they don’t want to share the road,” she said.
Beverly has been an avid cyclist for about six years.
More than 100 people participated in the ride, which pleased Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club President President Carrie Halle.
“This is our first Ride of Silence and we didn’t really know what to expect,” she said. “But it’s really exciting to see all these cars pull in with all their bikes and everything. I’m really excited for the turnout.”
Before the ride began, Halle took time to honor those club members who have been injured or killed by motorists. She also honored the life of acclaimed architect Helmut Jahn, who was killed in a bicycle crash in Campton Hills on May 8.
Jahn was not a member of the Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club but had participated in the club’s annual Swedish Days Ride and knew many of the club’s members, Halle said. Jahn was killed after he failed to stop at a stop sign at Burlington and Old Lafox roads and was hit by two vehicles going in opposite directions, according to the Campton Hills Police Department.
“In response to this tragic event, the Fox Valley Bicycle and Ski Club has appointed a Safety Ambassador, Pat Sweeney, to help us improve cycling safety through education,” Halle told those participating in the ride.
Source: The Daily Chronicle
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