St. Pete cyclists join global 'Ride of Silence' to honor victims, push for safer streets

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - In St. Petersburg, riders gathered for the 24th annual "Ride of Silence," remembering lives lost while also calling for safer streets across the Bay Area.

Memorial ride

The backstory:

More than 50 riders gathered at the North Shore Aquatic Complex in downtown St. Petersburg for a solemn 10-mile ride through the city.

Participants included cyclists of all ages, along with e-bike riders and community advocates. Many wore shirts and carried signs promoting roadway safety.

Organizers described the event as both a memorial and a call for action.

Push for safer roads and better infrastructure

What they're saying:

"Every one of us knows several people who have been killed or badly injured," Peter Wray, president of the St. Pete Bike Club, said.

Wray said the annual Ride of Silence gives the cycling community a chance to honor victims while also advocating for safer infrastructure.

"We gotta do something about it," Wray said. "It takes three things: leadership, advocacy and better design."

For Carl Thompson, the issue is deeply personal. Thompson said he suffered serious injuries, including a cracked vertebra and nerve damage, after a crash with another cyclist in 2021.

"Who here has been hit by a car?" one organizer asked the crowd during the event. "It’s amazing when you look around and see how many people who have actually had an accident."

By the numbers:

According to organizers, Pinellas County recorded five cyclist or pedestrian fatalities through March of this year. Hillsborough County recorded eight, while Pasco County recorded five.

Advocates say those numbers highlight the need for safer road design and stronger awareness among drivers and cyclists alike.

Rider safety education efforts

What's next:

Community groups, including Connect Pinellas, say they are continuing education efforts focused on rider safety.

The organization is promoting a lifelong rider education initiative and plans to distribute 400 free helmets this year. The group will be doing a giveaway at the St. Pete Pride Family Day on The Pier on Sunday, June 7.