Bike riders face extreme dangers not just on busy streets in Birmingham but in all the surrounding areas, and on a national level. May is National Bike Month, but with the COVID-19 restrictions, it's been difficult for people to set up a ride together. However, with permission, Birmingham set up the May 20th Ride of Silence.

The Wednesday ride is to promote awareness of the cyclists injured and killed during their rides. This event is global, with major cities hosting rides all around the world. Most of the traditional events that come with National Bike Month were pushed off because of COVID-19, but Birmingham and most other major cities clearly felt that the Ride of Silence deserved its place. Birmingham has implemented a few new social distancing guidelines, but the goal remains the same.

Promote cycling safety, increase awareness about sharing the road, push for the improvement and building of cycling infrastructure, honor cyclists who were killed or injured, and bring awareness of the relationship between cyclists and motorists to civic officials. Birmingham does have ongoing methods of bringing awareness to cycling and cycling-related deaths or injuries. From last year a famous installation was put into place near B'ham's primary post office on 3rd Avenue North. The installation is a white bicycle mounted against a utility pole, and it commemorates the death of Franklin Prude, the victim of a cycling accident involving an 18-wheeler who died during the crash on July 12th of 2019.

The Ride of Silence and commemorative installations in Birmingham are reminders to drivers that they're not alone on the road. Cyclists must use roadway when a bike path is not available, and all too often, cyclists are involved in accidents that result in serious injuries or death. These awareness events are critical in lowering the number of people hurt while bike riding.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, contact our law firm today.

Source: https://bhamnow.com/2020/05/20/join-birmingham-cyclists-in-the-ride-of-silence-on-may-20-to-promote-safety-honor-injured-or-killed-cyclists/