Palm Springs Gathers Tonight for Annual Ride of Silence

Palm Springs cyclists and community members will gather tonight for the Ride of Silence, a global event that remembers those killed or hurt on public roads, and calls on drivers to share them.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. at Ruth Hardy Park, 700 Tamarisk Road, where local leaders and elected officials will speak briefly before the ride departs at 7. The route covers less than five miles, and participants are asked to stay under 12 miles per hour, wear helmets, follow traffic laws, and ride without speaking.

The Ride of Silence started in Dallas in 2003, after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was killed when a passing bus clipped him with its mirror. Organizer Chris Phelan wanted a way to honor him and draw attention to how often cyclists are overlooked on roads they have every legal right to use. It has since grown into a worldwide event held simultaneously at 7 p.m. local time across the globe.

You don't have to be a cyclist to take part. Walkers are welcome on the park's one-mile loop, and volunteers will be on hand to help with any bike issues. Organizers are encouraging all riders to use front and rear lights. There is no registration fee and no cost to attend.