Latest news with #RideofSilence
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Four tips from Iowans on how to break texting and driving habits before July 1
Iowa cyclists participating in Ride of Silence 2025 sit for each injured cyclist, lie down for each cyclist killed on the roads in the past year, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, outside State Historical Society of Iowa. (Photo by Tom Foley/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Americans check their phone on average 205 times a day or around once every five minutes. With phones seldom out of reach, it can be difficult to moderate usage in an increasingly connected world. For many people, this habit can persist even when behind the wheel, but the distraction it provides can have real consequences. On July 1, Iowa law enforcement will begin distributing warnings for the handheld use of electronic devices while driving. Here's how to break texting and driving habits before then to avoid a penalty, or worse. For background, Senate File 22, signed on April 2, 2025, bans the handheld use of cellphones and other electronic devices while driving when not in hands-free or voice-activated mode. Officers will begin enforcing the act on July 1, and will begin penalizing violations on Jan. 1, 2026. Drivers convicted of a violation will be charged with a simple misdemeanor after Jan. 1. Here are some tips from four Iowans who work to decrease distracted driving in their communities on how to break the habit for good: 'People need to recognize that operating an electronic device while they're driving is a distraction, and that distraction can cause harm to others and themselves,' said Larry Loss, an active cyclist and Des Moines metro resident since 1993. Loss was crossing an intersection on his bike on May 18, 2022, when a young male driver, who was on his phone, made a right turn directly in front of him. Loss was cut off from the bike trail and collided into the curb, which propelled him into the concrete base of a utility pole. The injuries he sustained resulted in two surgeries, 17 days in the hospital, and left him unable to return to work for two months. The driver of the car never stopped. Loss, however, considers himself to be one of the 'lucky ones,' as he can still tell his story. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2023, 3,275 lives were lost and around 325,000 were injured in crashes related to distracted driving. Around 8% of all fatal crashes involved distracted driving. The day of the crash, BikeIowa was holding its 18th annual Ride of Silence. Every year since 2005, cyclists from across Iowa have gathered to remember the riders injured and killed on the roads and trails in the past year, celebrate current achievements, and discuss how to continually make the roads safer for bikers going forward. Loss joined Luke Hoffman, director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, Scott Sumpter, founder of BikeIowa, and many others for the 21st annual Ride of Silence on Wednesday. Loss says drivers should determine if their vehicle has Bluetooth capability and get the system set up as soon as possible to prepare for the changes in the law. If not, researching a compatible Bluetooth adapter or external system will allow drivers time to familiarize themselves with this technology before the law goes into effect on July 1. 'If you are tempted to reach for your phone in the cup holder, maybe leave it in your bag' said Ryan Crane, executive director of NAMI Iowa. Crane is the executive director of the Iowa branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI Iowa registered in favor of Senate File 22 during the legislative process. NAMI Iowa works to help communities address concerns about mental illness and provide information on treatment. A 2024 report from found not only that Americans check their phones over 200 times a day on average also that the figure represented a 42.3% increase from 2023. The survey also showed that over 43% of Americans feel addicted to their phones — and like other addictions, the habit is not easy to break. Crane recommends drivers compassionately but intentionally observe themselves as they drive to understand what triggers them to pick up their phone. NAMI Iowa and other mental health institutions have recently begun to promote the importance of self-compassion as the standard for mental health practices. Research by the Stanford Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education indicates that self-compassion is a learnable mindset that is linked to decreased stress and increased productivity. These things can play a major role in personal ability to identify and modify behaviors. By understanding what triggers the impulse, without excessive self-judgment, each driver can implement a solution that works for them. 'Awareness is honestly the first step,' Crane said. Some solutions may include finding another activity to replace the habit, such as anchoring their hands on 10 and two, placing their phone out of arm's reach, regularly creating new playlists to prevent constant song-skipping, etc. 'If you have text messages, emails, phone calls that you need to handle, do that right as you get in the car,' said Luke Hoffman, executive director of Iowa Bicycle Coalition. Hoffman and the Iowa Bicycle Coalition were major supporters of Senate File 22, with some members advocating for some form of a hands-free bill for more than 10 years. He believes that this act is a 'fundamental leap forward for safety in Iowa.' Hoffman and the IBC plan to launch a 'Safe Roads Iowa' educational campaign sometime after July 1, which seeks to educate local communities on best practices for driving safety. Setting aside time to settle online to-dos before driving may grant drivers the peace of mind to put down the phone while on the road. This can take the form of setting up GPS directions prior to starting the car, utilizing the 'add stop' GPS function for each destination if there are multiple, enabling driving mode on Android devices or driving focus on Apple and ensuring no notifications are set up to bypass this feature, etc. 'If you have a passenger, designate them to be your phone person,' said Dr. Cara Hamann, director of the University of Iowa Transportation Research and Injury Prevention Safety Lab and UI associate professor of epidemiology. Hamann and the TRIPS lab put together a policy brief that outlined 'the gaps in the distracted driving laws in Iowa.' She also personally made visits to the Capitol to speak with legislators about her research and inform them about her findings. Among facts outlined in the brief: State bans on handheld phones while driving reduce handheld usage of electronics devices shortly after the laws take effect by almost 50%; Handheld bans are associated with fewer driver deaths, while texting-only bans are not and may be more enforceable by law enforcement. A designated phone user allows the driver to stay connected without investing in Bluetooth or other hands-free hardware. Designating a phone user ensures drivers aren't tempted to pick up the phone themselves. This may be a solution for drivers with non-integrated cars who can't afford to invest in additional hardware. Other than working as a designated phone user, Hamann recommends passengers speak up if drivers go to grab their phone while on the road. 'We need to work towards a cultural shift to make it the norm for people not to be using their phones,' she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Cyclists honor lives lost in the East Bay's Ride of Silence
The Brief Cyclists in Alameda rode 7 miles in silence to honor those injured or killed while biking, as part of the global Ride of Silence event. Participants called for greater awareness from drivers. ALAMEDA, Calif. - Cyclists gathered Wednesday evening in Alameda for the annual Ride of Silence, a global event held each May to honor those killed or injured while biking. Participants rode silently for seven miles, starting and ending on Park Street, to raise awareness of cycling safety and pay tribute to the victims of traffic collisions. The event, observed in cities worldwide, serves as a poignant reminder of the need for drivers and cyclists to share the road responsibly. Berkeley resident Jocelyn Larkin joined the ride with a heavy heart, honoring the memory of her husband, 59-year-old Christopher Patti, UC Berkeley's top lawyer. In 2017, Patti was struck and killed by a speeding car in Guerneville while biking. According to the California Highway Patrol, Patti had pulled far off the road when the driver lost control. The impact threw Patti onto the trunk of the BMW, violently slamming him into the rear window. "My husband, my children, and I all love riding," Larkin said. "I couldn't let that man take away something that brought us so much joy. I still think about Chris when I'm riding and I like that." The Ride of Silence serves as a call to action for safer roads and more awareness. Isabella DeMatos, this year's ride organizer, knows the pain of being a victim firsthand. Nearly 40 years ago, DeMatos was struck by a car while cycling in Oakland, leaving her with lasting hip injuries. "Every day you ride, you could end up in that situation," DeMatos said. "Alameda is very proactive with putting out the bike lanes, so it's making it a lot safer for us to ride in Alameda… but we don't only ride in Alameda." Just days ago, a child on a bicycle was struck by a car in Oakland at Nicol and Coolidge Avenues. The child reportedly suffered severe head trauma and was rushed to the hospital. Wednesday's ride was escorted by police to ensure safety. "It's great to volunteer for them," Faalologo said. "I'm just here to give back to the community."
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Club hosts Ride of Silence to honor bicyclists killed
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Cycling Club hosted a, 8.5 mile memorial ride on Wednesday, May 21 to honor bicyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roads. Cyclists met at City Hall ahead of the 7 p.m. start of the ride. Organizers said the goal of the silent procession was to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured, and to raise awareness that cyclists have a legal right to share the road with motorists. According to the Colorado State Patrol, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in Colorado have increased 78% since 2015, while passenger vehicle deaths increased 7% in that same timeframe. 2024 was the second-deadliest year on record for these groups of vulnerable road users, with 134 pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities. 'This is Colorado Springs, where a very active, outdoor recreation community, and there's cyclists on the roads at all times,' said Rich Heitman with the Colorado Springs Cycling Club. 'So just be aware that they're there. And the law is that if you see a cyclist, you need to give them three feet, so you shouldn't pass them too close. Give them three feet.' The 8.5 mile route for the Ride of Silence headed north from City Hall through the Old North End and turning back to head south near Patty Jewett Golf Course. The route circled back through downtown to end once again at City Hall. Cyclists have held the Ride of Silence in cities across America since 2003, when Chris Phelan organized the first event in Dallas. The first Ride of Silence was launched after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz got hit by the mirror of a passing bus and was killed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Cyclists gather to take part in Ride For Silence in Beaufort
BEAUFORT, N.C. (WNCT) — The annual Ride of Silence is an event taking place worldwide to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roads. In Beaufort, a big group of locals got together to ride through the historic downtown and backroads all on bicycles. 'Years ago, I was involved in an accident riding my bike and it had taken quite a toll on me,' Outsiders Bike Club Member and Ride for Silence Organizer Patrick Kelly said. 'But here I am today, still riding and trying to advocate for people to be safe on.' The ride was also to help drivers remember to share the road with cyclists. 'For promoting that advocacy is key for safety, for not only our riders but also our drivers too,' Outsiders Bike Club Member Michael Bridges said. 'You got the town involved, town police escorting us through. So, that's really showing the presence of the bike there and then people like paying attention to that with like kids, older folks and, you know, all different types of people that are out riding.' For people who have been impacted by cycling injuries, rides like this can be emotional but they are important for increasing awareness to always be on the lookout for bicyclists on the road. 'Happy feelings. There was sad feelings. People here were thinking about people they know who have been in accidents,' Kelly said. 'One lady shared that she knew someone that was killed in an accident riding their bikes. So, you know, we had all the feelings tonight, but most importantly, there was a really good group of people out there enjoying themselves and we were sharing with the cycling community.' The ride through Beaufort was 4.7 miles and ended with drinks and fellowship at Fishtowne Brew House on Turner Street. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Photos: ‘Ride of Silence' honors cyclist killed in Peachtree City
The Brief The Peachtree City "Ride of Silence" honored Carl Wiggers, a cyclist fatally injured in a road accident, with participants wearing red, his favorite color. The event, organized by the Southside Cycling Club, is part of National Bike Month, aiming to remember cyclists and advocate for improved road safety. The ride covered over nine miles with a police escort, followed by a social gathering for remembrance and support among friends, family, and cyclists. PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. - Dozens of cyclists rode in silence through Peachtree City on Tuesday evening to honor the memory of Carl Wiggers, a Coweta County businessman who was killed in a cycling accident last month. The backstory The memorial ride was part of the national "Ride of Silence," an annual event held during National Bike Month to remember cyclists killed or injured on public roadways. The Peachtree City event was organized by the Southside Cycling Club, which was founded 25 years ago in Fayette County after a local cyclist was seriously injured in a car-bike crash. Wiggers died on April 5 after being struck by a truck while riding on a two-lane road in Coweta County. The truck driver involved in the incident has been charged. The Peachtree City ride covered just over nine miles at a slow, reflective pace, beginning at the old Kmart parking lot with a police escort for safety. A social gathering followed the ride, giving friends, family, and fellow cyclists a chance to remember Wiggers and support one another. What they're saying Cyclists participating in the ride wore red—Wiggers' favorite color—as a tribute. His wife, Marcia Wiggers, also a cyclist, took part in the event. "That ride was in honor of Carl," she said. "Red was his favorite color, so we asked everybody to wear red. And they did." Keith Larson of the Southside Cycling Club said the event is about more than remembrance—it's a call for improved road safety. "May is National Bike Month, and Ride of Silence is just another one of the ways we come together as a community to recognize riders and advocate for better safety," he said. "Other rides took place Tuesday in Decatur, Chattahoochee Hills, and Columbus." The Source FOX 5's Doug Evans spoke to members of the Southside Cycling Club, who are honoring the memory of Carl Wiggers. His widow, Marcia Wiggers, provided FOX 5 with photos of the event.
