Bicycle Coalition of Maine
Media Contact: Andrew Zarro
P: 207.558.2211
E: press@bikemaine.org
Portland’s Ride of Silence Honors Cyclists and Pedestrians Amid Rising Crash Statistics
(Portland, Maine) May 20, 2025 – On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, Portland will participate in the International Ride of Silence, a solemn, silent bike ride held annually to honor cyclists and pedestrians who have been injured or killed while using public roads. The event, organized locally by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM), will begin at 6:30 PM from the parking lot of CycleMania, located at 65 Cove Street in Portland.
This year’s Ride of Silence comes at a time when Maine is experiencing a concerning increase in pedestrian and cyclist incidents. In 2024, 13 pedestrians lost their lives on Maine roads, and 242 injury crashes involving pedestrians were reported. Additionally, one cyclist was killed, and 193 injury crashes involving cyclists occurred. Almost halfway through 2025, there have been 69 pedestrian crashes, with 8 pedestrian fatalities recorded, 3 occurring in Portland. There have been 30 cyclist crashes, 1 of which was fatal.
The Ride of Silence serves as a poignant reminder of these tragedies and aims to raise awareness about the rights and safety of all road users. Participants are asked to observe the following guidelines:
- Maintain silence throughout the ride, speaking only to signal safety hazards.
- Wear a helmet (required).
- Use bicycle headlights and taillights (recommended).
Ride at a pace not exceeding 10 miles per hour. - Follow all traffic laws and ride no more than three miles.
- No rider will be left behind.
The Portland Ride of Silence is free and open to all. While registration is not mandatory, participants are encouraged to sign up in advance at bikemaine.org/ride-of-silence.
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The Bicycle Coalition of Maine works to make Maine a better and safer place to bike and walk. Founded in 1992, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine has grown into the leading bicycle and pedestrian advocacy group in the state. The Coalition believes all Mainers should have access to bikes and bike education, and we envision a future where Maine’s roads, public ways, and trails are safe and accessible, resulting in cleaner travel options, improved health, and stronger economic benefits for Maine communities.