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Ride of Silence in Provo held in remembrance of cyclists killed in crashes

Posted at 10:00 PM, May 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-19 00:27:58-04

PROVO, Utah -- May is National Bicycle Month. It's not only a chance to promote cycling, but also an opportunity to remember those who have died while pedaling a bike.

Dozens of cyclists grabbed onto their handlebars and dug into their pedals for the fourth annual Ride of Silence Wednesday night.

Provo was one of hundreds of cities across the United States to participate.

"It's just important for fellow cyclists to come out and support, and let everyone know what's going on, and be aware that we're out there," Provo cyclist Bridget Chase said.

This particular ride was organized by the group Latinos in Action from Dixon Middle School.

"Their voice matters, and I want them to realize that them showing support for this event is showing that their voice is being heard," teacher Lucy Ordaz Sanchez said.

Each cyclist wore a scarf: red if you're riding in support, and black if you're riding in remembrance.

"When you get into your car and you drive and you see a bike, maybe take a little extra caution, you don't zoom by them and just assume everything is going to go smoothly," Nick Crow said.

Nick Crow's father, Douglas Crow, was killed in February 2013 when he was hit by an SUV at 700 West 600 South in Provo.

"I don't know if there was ever a day he didn't ride, he was out every day, he loved it," Crow said.

According to a 2013 study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 743 people were killed while riding a bicycle, while 48,000 more were injured.

"If people could just be more aware of bikers, walkers, pedestrians in general," Kevin Bown said.

Bown was riding in Orem with his wife Stacy on University Parkway in October 2015 when they were both hit by a car. Stacy died later that night.

"We both loved it, it was good exercise for both of us, and one would always encourage the other one," Bown said.

These riders hope a ride like this will raise awareness among cyclists and motorists alike that these tragedies can be prevented.

"We by law have the right to be on the road, so just be aware of us, we're everywhere, there are more cyclists every year," Sanchez said.