On Wednesday evening, cyclists in Alameda gathered to take part in the annual Ride of Silence, a solemn international event held every May to honor those killed or injured while biking. The participants rode in complete silence for seven miles, beginning and ending on Park Street, as a tribute to the victims of traffic collisions and as a reminder of the critical importance of cycling safety. The event, observed in cities around the world, underscores the need for both drivers and cyclists to coexist responsibly on the roads.
Among the riders was Berkeley resident Jocelyn Larkin, who joined the procession with profound personal grief. She rode in memory of her late husband, Christopher Patti, who served as UC Berkeley’s top attorney. In 2017, Patti was killed while biking in Guerneville after being struck by a speeding car. According to the California Highway Patrol, Patti had moved far off the road when the driver lost control, hurling him onto the trunk of the vehicle and slamming him into its rear window. Despite the devastating loss, Larkin continues to ride, cherishing the connection it provides to her husband. She reflected on the joy that biking brought to their family, saying, “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.”
This year’s Ride of Silence also carried a powerful message of unity and advocacy for safer infrastructure. Isabella DeMatos, who organized the event, is no stranger to the risks cyclists face. Nearly four decades ago, she was struck by a car while biking in Oakland, resulting in lasting injuries to her hip. She emphasized the ongoing dangers riders confront daily and praised Alameda’s efforts to create safer bike lanes. However, she noted that the threat extends beyond the city’s borders. “Every day you ride, you could end up in that situation,” she 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.”
The urgency of the message was heightened by a recent incident in nearby Oakland, where a child on a bicycle was hit by a car at the intersection of Nicol and Coolidge Avenues. The child suffered severe head trauma and was rushed to the hospital, a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities cyclists face on shared roadways.
To ensure the safety of those participating in the Alameda ride, the event was accompanied by a police escort. One officer, Faalologo, expressed pride in being able to support the community and help create a safe space for the meaningful tribute. “It’s great to volunteer for them,” he said. “I’m just here to give back to the community.”
As the sun set on the East Bay, the quiet procession of riders sent a powerful message—not only in remembrance of those lost, but also in support of a future where cycling is safer and more respected as a vital mode of transportation.
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