Memorial bike ride
A silent bike ride is to take place on Wednesday 17 May in memory of cyclists killed and injured by motorists. The scheme, part of a US `International Ride of Silence' initiative, will involve a 10 mile route through the city's Hyde Park.
Imperial College student Apijak Srivannavit was killed in a road traffic accident whilst cycling in the South Kensington area last summer.
Mr Srivannavit was at the junction of Queen's Gate and Cromwell Road when he was hit by a coach. The coroner's report concluded that both the coach driver and the cyclist were to blame for the collision; however, no action was taken against the coach driver by the Crown Prosecution Service.
In June of last year, Thomas SippelDau, an ICT manager, was also knocked off his bicycle and killed by a 4x4 vehicle. The upcoming ride will visit the sites where the College members were killed.
Ben Jefferys, Chair of the Union's Bicycle User Group, told Felix: "I hope this is a fitting tribute for Apijak and the other cyclists who have died in London. It has been organised with the cooperation of Apijak's family. This event will be followed up by a vigorous safety and awareness campaign, funded by a generous donation to ICBUG from Apijak's father."
Anyone wishing to take part should meet at Hyde Park Corner at 6:30pm on 17 May. The 10 mile route will take approximately two hours and riders should be as silent as possible. The pace of the ride will also be restricted so all cyclists are able to join in. Each participant should wear a black armband (or a red armband if they have been injured themselves).
