Check out www.rideofsilence.org
 for more background information on the origins of this ride.

Welcome to the official website for Iowa City's Ride of Silence. This page exists to generally inform potential participants on the details of this ride, the first of its kind in the Iowa City area. A general list of Frequently Asked Questions is listed below, so we hope you find the information that you seek there, else you can always directly e-mail the organizer, Nick Maddix, at moonlightrose44@gmail.com We hope to see you at the park for our first ever event. Let's make it a big turnout and show our presence on the streets of Iowa City to motorists and others!

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F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the Ride of Silence?

The Ride of Silence is simply a ride to remember and honor cyclists who’ve been injured or killed by motorists. In addition, this ride aims to help raise awareness of cyclists rights to the road, for motorists, the public and media, and to please Share the Road with us.

Is there a cost to attend?

The ride is free. There is no t-shirt or sponsors either.

Who all can attend?

Everyone is invited to attend the Ride of Silence. The only requirement is that you possess the ability to ride in a safe and predicable manner and that you wear a helmet during the ride. Road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, children's bikes, bikes with carriers, recumbents, if it's a bike, it can participate. Children are encouraged as are the elderly. Parents, please be with your child at all times. Be sure you have a bike that you are confident with on city roads, especially since this year they took an immense beating! (I'd recommend at least a hybrid)

Where Do We Meet? Where Can I Park?

We will all gather near the Gazebo at College Green Park in Iowa City, Iowa. If you are driving to the starting point to unload your bike, it is recommended that you park at the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp and at the Recreation Center. The first floor will be occupied by the Iowa City Farmer's Market, so use the floors above. There is also some limited parking near the park on side streets. Other places you may park include the Parking Ramp on the corner of Linn and Burlington Streets, the Parking Ramp next to Old Capital Town Center, or the ramp at the corner of Iowa Avenue and Linn Street, next to the Cottage Bakery.

What Happens at 6:30 P.M.?

Starting around 6:30 p.m., we will hold a short presentation about why we are here. Participants are encouraged to tell their stories of close calls while riding or even the death of a fellow cyclist. At this time, riders will also receive materials on riding tips, and will be asked to sign the Liability Release Form. Mark Wyatt of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition will also be there. The "Ride of Silence" poem will then be read, and a minute moment of silence will be held shortly afterwards. Afterwards, there will be a final check before departure at seven.

What Happens at 7:00 P.M.? What Time Does the Ride End?

We ride. At around 8:30 p.m., we will return to College Green Park. From there, we may all meet up and dine someplace in town, pending available space of course.

How is the Ride Conducted?

Riders will be riding single file in an organized fashion. Also, riders will be asked to generally ride between 8 and 12 miles per hour and to stick together as a unified group. We will be escorted by the Iowa City Police Department during our ride. During the ride, riders will be asked to be silent and to use hand signals to indicate directions. Think of the ride as a funeral event.

Anything Else I Need to Know?

You may want to wear reflective bike clothing and bring bike lights. There is more limited visibility after 7:00 p.m. Sunset on May 21st will be at 8:25 p.m., and the ending of civil twilight will be at 8:58 p.m.

Also, by riding with us, you assume you are responsible for your riding abilities of yourself and any children or people you bring with you. By signing the Liability Release Form on the day of the ride, you acknowledge that the City of Iowa City, City of University Heights, City of Coralville, and the Bicyclists of Iowa City are not to be held responsible should anything go wrong. You accept the natural dangers associated with riding. While we will do our best to assure the ride goes as smoothly as possible, however, there will be circumstances where there may be something that is beyond our control.