Ride of Silence

The International Ride of Silence is held on the third Wednesday of May every year. The ride honors vulnerable road users who have been injured or killed by traffic violence while bicycling, raises awareness that bicyclists have a legal right to use the road, and reminds motorists to respectfully share the road with all users. Join cyclists worldwide in a silent, slow-paced ride to commemorate those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways.

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is the state coordinator for the Ride of Silence, working with groups and individuals to host a ride in Portland and support rides across the state. 

REGISTER FOR THE PORTLAND RIDE OF SILENCE HERE

The Ride of Silence, an annual international bicycle ride will be hosted in Portland by the BCM on Wednesday May 21st, 2025 at 6:30. The ride honors road users who have been injured or killed by traffic violence while bicycling, raises awareness that bicyclists have a legal right to use the road, and reminds motorists to respectfully share the road with all users. Join cyclists worldwide in a silent, slow-paced ride to commemorate those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. We will meet in the parking lot of CycleMania 65 Cove St, Portland, ME 04101.

Although the ride is free, we ask that riders register here and a helmet is required. Bicycle headlights and tail lights are recommended.


Lewiston Ride of Silence

The Maine Cycling Club will host this year’s Ride of Silence on Wednesday, May 21st begining at 6 pm. We will meet at the Lincoln St Garage entrance on Mill St. near Baxter Brewing.

The Ride this year will once again be chaperoned by the Lewiston and Auburn Police Departments and follows a 3.5 mile course through Lewiston, into Auburn and back through Lewiston. Riders cycle slowly, in silence, along the route. Helmets are required of all cyclists.

This year the Ride will be followed by a recreational ride of approximately 11 miles, ridden at a comfortable pace. For those interested, we will gather after the rides for nourishment and conversation at el Pocho’s Mexican Grill on Lisbon St. in Lewiston.

Rainbow Bicycle has offered the availability of a few e-bikes for anyone interested in riding an e-bike for the event. Please contact John at Rainbow to arrange this before the event.

All are welcome. Please join us.


Saco Ride of Silence

The Saco Ride of Silence will meet between 6:30 and 7 pm in the parking lot of the Dyer Library. A helmet is required: the ride is about 4 miles long and open to all abilities! We will begin the ride PROMPTLY at 7pm. Sponsored by Saco Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.


Want to host a ride? The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has compiled resources to help guide and support groups and individuals interested in hosting a Ride of Silence in their community. Potential hosts should email andrew@bikemaine.org

People on bikes riding together.
Long line of bike riders pedal down Commercial Street in Portland.

Ride of Silence guidelines:

  1. The ride is intended to be silent. Participants should only speak when calling out safety hazards.
  2. Helmets are required for all participants.
  3. Routes should not exceed three miles.
  4. The riding pace should not exceed 10 miles an hour. No riders should be left behind. 
  5. Hosts should provide participants with the rules of the road and group ride protocol prior to departure.
  6. Hosts should consider notifying local public safety officials about the ride and its route.
  7. Hosts should consider having participants sign a waiver.

Interested in learning more about facilitating a successful slow ride? Check out one of our Wednesday Webinars on organizing slow rides

Participants completing the Ride of Silence at dusk.
Bicycle Coalition of Maine