Cyclists share message for drivers

Roger Snow, of Danbury, waits at the Danbury Green, to participate in the Ride of Silence, a national event to raise awareness of sharing the road with cyclist, and honor cyclist who have been killed or injured. On Wednesday evening, May 20, 2015, in Danbury, Conn. Snow was hit by a car while riding in Redding on April 1st, he had broken bones in his leg, hand and ribs. less Roger Snow, of Danbury, waits at the Danbury Green, to participate in the Ride of Silence, a national event to raise awareness of sharing the road with cyclist, and honor cyclist who have been killed or ... more Photo: H John Voorhees III Buy photo Photo: H John Voorhees III Image 1 of / 18 Caption Close Cyclists share message for drivers 1 / 18 Back to Gallery

DANBURY -- Though no words were spoken on the ride, the message of the nearly 40 cyclists gathered was clear: "Share the road."

Wednesday marked Danbury's second Ride of Silence, an event aimed at commemorating cyclists killed or injured in accidents, and raising awareness so motorists and cyclists can coexist on the road.

"The goal is to bring awareness to people that cyclists are on the road and we're supposed to be sharing the road," said Marti Fine, the organizer of the Danbury ride.

The Ride of Silence event began in Texas in 2003 after an endurance cyclist was hit and killed by a bus. Hundreds of towns and communities in other countries now host their own rides on the third Wednesday of May.

"It's something that everyone can understand and participate in," Fine said, adding the rides are silent to memorialize those who were killed or injured.

"It's a funeral procession," she said.

This is the first Ride of Silence held after the Vulnerable Users law went into effect in Connecticut in October. The law places a possible $1,000 fine on a motorist who "fails to exercise reasonable care" and kills or seriously injuries "vulnerable users," including cyclists, pedestrians and highway workers.

Several cyclists said the law, like the ride, were great first steps but more is needed to protect them.

Three Hat City Cyclist members were injured by cars this year, including Roger Snow, of Danbury.

Snow said this was his first ride since he was hit by a car in Redding on April 1. His tibia, some ribs and his nose were broken in the accident.

"It was important to be here on this occasion," he said.

He said he wanted to come out to honor his friend Thomas Steinhert-Threlkeld, who he often rode with and who was killed by a hit-and-run driver while bike riding in October 2013.

Steinhert-Threlkeld led Rides of Silence in Weston, Fairfield and Westport, but when Fine tried to find one last year to honor him, she couldn't and decided to start one in Danbury. More than 50 cyclists participated in the 4.5-mile loop, the same route used for this year's ride.

"Even if it hadn't been for Tom's death, I think I would have organized it," she said.

Fine rode in several while living in Milwaukee with her husband, before moving to Danbury in 2013.

This was the first year Ken Roulx, of Bethel, heard of the ride.

"I thought it was important to show up and show my support," Roulx said.

He said it's hard to cycle around the area, since there are few bike paths. He encounters a mix of timid and aggressive drivers on local roads.

"Some people are overly cautious, where they're afraid to pass you, and others will whip by and be within inches of you," he said.

Roulx said he hopes this helps more drivers become aware of how to drive around cyclists.

"We deserve to be out there too and be safe while we do it," he said.

Fine said she hopes the event is held annually in Danbury and more towns around Connecticut.

"I wish there was not a need for this ride, but there is," she said.

kkoerting@newstimes.com; 203-731-3345, @kkoerting