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 on Wednesday, May 19 at 7 p.m. In 2020, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine was named the state coordinator for the Ride of Silence, and this year, we are working with groups and individuals across the state to encourage greater ridership.
Currently, there are rides being planned in Augusta, Lewiston, Rockland, Portland, Saco, and Yarmouth. If you are interested in hosting a ride in your community, please reach out to eliza@bikemaine.org for more information.
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has compiled the following resources to help guide and support groups and individuals interested in hosting a Ride of Silence in their community.
Find a Ride of Silence near you:
Augusta – View details here.
Brunswick – The Merrymeeting Wheelers have been hosting the ROS annually for decades. This year they encourage independent rides at 7 p.m. on May 19 in Brunswick.
Lewiston– View details here.
Portland – This location is at capacity. Check-in, 6:30-6:50 p.m. at CycleMania, 65 Cove Street. The ride begins at 7 p.m.
Rockland – View details here.
Saco – View details here.
Yarmouth – View details here.
North Conway, NH – View details here.
Ride of Silence guidelines:
- The ride is intended to be silent. Participants should only speak when calling out safety hazards.
- Helmets are required for all participants.
- Routes should not exceed three miles.
- The riding pace should not exceed 10 miles an hour. No riders should be left behind.
- Hosts should provide participants with the rules of the road and group ride protocol prior to departure.
- Hosts should consider notifying local public safety officials about the ride and its route.
- Hosts should consider having participants sign a waiver. Contact eliza@bikemaine.org for an editable template.
COVID-19 protocols:
- Regardless of vaccine status, face masks covering the nose and mouth must be worn at all times when not riding.
- There must be at least six feet of separation between riders when riding, unless they live in the same household.
- Hosts should consider capping the number of participants at 50.
Interested in learning more about facilitating a successful slow ride? Check out our recent Wednesday Webinar on organizing slow rides.
