Submitted by Vianca Patino
Cyclists worldwide united on May 20 at 6:30 pm in a silent and slow-paced ride in honor of those who have been injured or killed while cycling on public roadways. The Annual Ride in Silence was held in Clermont at Waterfront Park. The day of the event in Clermont was rainy but that didn’t discourage more than 100 bicyclists from participating in the 8-mile ride to draw awareness to the safety issues of the cyclist.
The ride started and ended at Clermont Waterfront Park at a granite bench in memory of Harry Nickell, an active triathlete, cyclist and, before his death, fiancé of Clermont City Council Member Diane Travis. Nickell was killed while bicycling on Highway 27 in 2010.
Lacey Nickell and Sara McLarty, both women who have lost loved ones due to a careless motorist, led the Ride in Silence.
Clermont Mayor Gail L. Ash attended the event to show her support and emphasized to everyone that motorists need to be aware of others on the road, not just other vehicles.
Remember to be aware–share the road
