'Ride of Silence' Remembers Shelton and Weston Cyclists, Hundreds More, Killed While Riding

By WENDY ANN MITCHELL (Patch Staff)

Thousands of cyclists nationwide will gear up to speak a very powerful message without saying a word as they participate in the North America Ride of Silence on Wednesday, May 18, 2016.

Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent funeral procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways.

In 2010, Officer Donald Hassiak, a 16-year veteran of the force, was killed in New Milford by a hit-and-run driver as he was riding to work for the midnight shift.

In October of 2013, a cyclist from Weston was killed in a hit-and-run accident at the intersection of Route 302 and Old Hawleyville Road in Bethel. Thomas Steinert-Threlkeld, 59, died as a result of his injuries.

In December of 2015 in Shelton, Brian "Buzz" Climis of Ansonia was riding his bike on Bridgeport Avenue when he died in a cycling accident.

In New Milford, Dwight Hipp, 57, was killed on August 23, 2014 after being struck by a pickup truck on Route 109, according to The News Times.

These are just four of thousands of deaths related to cycling accidents. The Ride of Silence has created memorial page to remember cyclists who have been killed due to a bicycle/motorist crash. Read more here.

According to a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association called Spotlight on Highway Safety: Bicyclist Safety, Connecticut had seven bicyclist deaths in 2010, eight in 2011 and four in 2012.

The Ride of Silence began in 2003 when Chris Phelan, a friend of Larry Schwartz who died after being hit by a school bus mirror while riding in Dallas, Texas, started the initiative through word of mouth and emails, according to the Ride of Silence website.

Since the first ride, it has grown to include hundreds of thousands in over 30 countries worldwide.

The greater Danbury area's ride will be held on May 18, 2016. Participants will meet at Rogers Park on Memorial Drive, in front of Rogers Park Middle School. Helmets are mandatory and lights are recommended. Arrive at 6:45 p.m. for a prompt 7 p.m. departure. The route is 5 miles and fairly flat.

Below are the rides being held in Connecticut:

Danbury/Bethel

• The route runs from Danbury into downtown Bethel. Check www.facebook.com/bikedanbury for updates or changes. Contact Marti Fine by sending an email.

Hartford

• The distance is 5-7 miles. Meet at Elizabeth Park Pond House at 6:30 p.m. This memorial ride will leave at 7 p.m. sharp. Contact Anthony Cherolis by sending an email.

New London

• The distance is 11 miles. Meet Wayfarer Bicycle at 120 Ocean Ave, New London at 6:30 p.m. Contact Andrew Gates by sending an email.

Westbrook

• The distance is 10 miles. Start and end at Westbrook YMCA. Contact Colleen Alexander by sending an email.

To see where the ride is in your state, visit the Ride of Silence website here.

Photo by Wendy Ann Mitchell