Sacramento State president to join ‘Ride of Silence’ cycling memorial

Sacramento cyclists will hold a “Ride of Silence” this evening through downtown and east Sacramento to call attention to biking safety and to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured on city streets.

The 10-mile ride, in its eighth year locally, is one of more than 300 rides, similar to funeral processions, occurring this week globally.

Sacramento State University President Dr. Robert Nelsen, a cyclist, will speak to the group during a gathering at the front of the campus.

The ride, free and open to all participants, will begin at 7 p.m. at Capitol Park at 15th Street and Capitol Avenue. Cyclists will ride slowly on city streets to the college campus for a 7:30 p.m. ceremony, then return to downtown.

The Ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise awareness of cyclists’ legal right to be on the same roads as motorists, according to organizer Sonya Lovine.

“Each year this ride continues to grow,” Lovine said. “I am amazed by and thankful for the display of solidarity that our cycling community demonstrates. Bike ridership in our city has increased over 45% since 2005.

“With this notable boost it is more important than ever to do all that we can to advocate for safer streets and protect precious lives.”

This story was originally published May 18, 2016 at 8:30 AM with the headline "Sacramento State president to join ‘Ride of Silence’ cycling memorial."