Wednesday marks a worldwide Ride of Silence to remember bicyclists who have been killed while riding.
A police escorted bicycle ride is being held Wednesday evening in Jacksonville in honor of local rider Wayne Ezell. Ezell, who died at age 72, was killed in a crash with a motorist while cycling in Iowa in 2016.
Ezell was a former reader advocate and editorial writer for The Florida Times-Union. He also served on the North Florida Bicycle Club’s Board of Directors.
Wednesday’s ride is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Riverside Arts Market location under the Fuller Warren Bridge after a 6:55 p.m. safety briefing and a 6:45 p.m. sign-up.
The Wayne Ezell Memorial Pedaling for Safety Ride of Silence’s six mile route will wind through Brooklyn to the stadium area with a brief stop at Hemming Park before heading back to the Arts Market.
Helmets are required and lights are recommended. If the weather doesn't cooperate there will be a brief ceremony in place of the ride under the Fuller Warren Bridge, according to local organizer Mark Atkins.
All 50 states took part in last year’s Ride of Silence with 390 locations worldwide, according to the organization's website.
The ride is being held during National Bike Month which seeks to showcase the many benefits of bicycling.
Additional Information
- Jacksonville Ride of Silence Facebook page
- Worldwide Ride of Silence website
- National Bike Month website
- Retired Times-Union editorial writer struck and killed during Iowa bicycle ride (Fla. Times-Union archived story)
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.