Cyclists will ride on Key Biscayne to honor those killed or hurt in crashes. What to know
Every year during “Bike Safety Month,” cyclists gather across the country to honor those killed or injured in traffic crashes.
During the “Ride of Silence,” people slowly ride their bikes in complete silence with the intention of remembering the dead, raising awareness of the dangers cyclists face, and asking everyone to share the road.
In Miami-Dade County, the 20th anniversary of the event will be held Wednesday night on Key Biscayne. And it holds special significance after two cyclists were killed in a crash earlier this week on the Rickenbacker Causeway.
Yaudys Vera, 48, and Ogniana Reyes, 46, died Sunday afternoon on a section of the William Powell Bridge after a collision with a Jeep. The couple leaves behind three kids — two teenage boys from Vera and a 15-year-old girl from Reyes.
READ MORE: Deaths of 2 cyclists add to rising toll on the Rickenbacker
The man who struck them was issued traffic tickets, but criminal charges appear unlikely, Miami police said on Monday.
Officers have not released the driver’s name.
What to know about ‘Ride of Silence’ on Key Biscayne
Miami-Dade’s “Ride of Silence” is Wednesday night starting at the entrance to Crandon Park Marina, 4000 Crandon Blvd., on Key Biscayne. Cyclists are asked to arrive at 6 p.m.
Up to 300 participants are expected to attend — many more than in recent years, said Sue Kawalerski, manager of Bike305, a county program.
“We are expecting large participation due to Sunday’s fatal crash,” she said.
READ MORE: Barriers for bike lanes coming to Rickenbacker Causeway after cyclist deaths, mayor says
Remarks start at 6:45 p.m. followed by the bike ride at 7 p.m. Riders will pedal south on Crandon Boulevard to the city limits of the Village of Key Biscayne, making a U-turn and coming back north to the marina’s entrance. Cyclists will do two laps for a total of 5.5 miles, but participants are welcome to do just one.
Traffic restrictions
One travel lane in each direction will be open for car traffic from approximately 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The ride will be escorted by Miami-Dade and Key Biscayne police while cyclists from the Everglades Bicycle Club, Mack Cycle and Dolphins Challenge Cancer will be marshaling the ride to ensure everyone remains in the inside travel lane, maintaining speeds of between 10 to 12 mph, Kawalerski said.
READ MORE: How big a danger is the Rickenbacker for bicyclists? Here are some of the tragedies
How to participate
All ages are encouraged to attend and participate provided they can keep a ride pace for the duration of the ride, she added.
READ MORE: Bicyclist struck and critically injured by a car in Miami-Dade, police say
People do not have to register but they can do so by going to ParkLink.com.
This story was originally published May 18, 2022 at 2:25 PM.
