Medford Township is hosting the 2016 National Ride of Silence on Wednesday, May 18. It is the fourth year Medford is holding this event. It will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. throughout the township.
The Ride of Silence is a national bike ride in honor of those cyclists who have been injured or killed while riding on public roadways. The ride also promotes bike safety and awareness of sharing the road. Last summer, 34-year-old Medford resident Eileen Marmino, a mother of two, was struck and killed while cycling in Medford.
The Medford branch of the ride will be seven miles and will be conducted at a slow, silent pace of 12 miles per hour. The ride will begin and end at Freedom Park. Cyclists will have a police escort and roads will be temporarily closed.
This year, a white bike will be set up near the site where Marmino was struck. Participating riders are asked to drop a flower as they pass the site. Flowers will be provided.
Participants should have a working bike and helmet. Front and rear bike lights are suggested. This year, participants are asked to make a donation to a scholarship fund for Marmino’s twin children. Checks can be made out to Ellie Marmino or Paul Joseph Marmino, c/o Paul Marmino and mailed to TD Bank, 517 Stokes Road, Medford NJ 08055.
For more information on the Medford Ride of Silence, visit www.facebook.com/MedfordRideofSilence.