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PHOTOS: Cyclists gather for “Ride of Silence” to honor fallen

Wearing red and black ribbons, a line of cyclists set out Wednesday evening for a somber ride around central Salem.

The annual Ride of Silence, organized by the Salem Bicycle Club, commemorates cyclists killed and injured by motorists.

Salem Bicycle Club members ride to honor cyclists killed on the road during the 2023 Ride of Silence (Eric Schuman/Salem Reporter)

The national event has taken place for 20 years, with local cyclists observing it for 18. Ride organizer Tim Newman led a line of 21 bikes for the silent 7-mile ride, starting at the state Red Lot on Northeast Marion Street.

Black ribbons represent cyclists killed, while red represents those injured. Organizers said this year there’s been one cyclist killed and three injured while riding in public roadways in the Salem area.

A cyclist ties a red ribbon to commemorate those injured while cycling for Salem Bike Club’s 2023 Ride of Silence on Wednesday, May 17 (Eric Schuman/Special to Salem Reporter)
Doug Parrow pulls a trailer commemorating cyclists killed while riding for Salem Bike Club’s 2023 Ride of Silence on Wednesday, May 17 (Eric Schuman/Special to Salem Reporter)
Cyclists prepare for Salem Bike Club’s 2023 Ride of Silence on Wednesday, May 17 (Eric Schuman/Special to Salem Reporter)

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Eric Schuman of Salem is a retired physician associate whose interests include pet therapy and photography.