Journal & Topics Media Group

Elk Grove Cyclists Remember Those Lost


An estimated 55 cyclists ready to head out of the Al Hattendorf Center for the 10 mile Ride of Silence sponsored by the Friends of Cycling In Elk Grove Wednesday, May 16. (Photo by Susan Brushaber).

An estimated 55 cyclists pulled out of the Al Hattendorf Center in Elk Grove Village, single file, in silence, remembering fellow cyclists killed on area roads.

The Wednesday, May 16 Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove “Ride of Silence” took a 10-mile loop and back through Busse Woods to a bridge over Higgins Road, looking down over where Rose Waters was killed in 2013 — before the bridge was built.

Members of Waters’ family, husband Tony Waters, mother Mary Ruden, brother Paul Ruden and sister Sheila Ruden Shorey, met cyclists on the bridge for a moment of silence.

This was the fifth year of the Ride of Silence in Elk Grove. Friends of Cycling President Dave Simmons said, “This is the best event we’ve had in five years.”

Members of the Friends of Cycling In Elk Grove pedal through Busse Woods single file and in silence on their 10-mile Ride of Silence Wednesday, May 16. (Photo by Susan Brushaber).

Waters’ death was a major catalyst to building the bridge over Higgins, just east of Route 53, to improve safety for those riding the trail through Busse Woods.

The first Ride of Silence drew more than 1,000 cyclists in Dallas, TX, in 2003. Rides have since spread across the globe to remember those lost in bicycle accidents.

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