What is the purpose of the Ride of Silence?
Well, yeah, it is a time to think of those who were killed, an ongoing memorial to them. It is also a time to remind riders what can and does happen to any of us, anywhere, any time.
It is also a chance to remind the community that cycling is dangerous, that a momentary lapse by the driver of a motor vehicle can have fatal consequences to a cyclist.
For that purpose, I think the Ride of Silence ought to touch every neighborhood, every major thoroughfare. Which in Lubbock might mean a 30-40 mile ride around the city with emphasis on population density, like the mall.
Also to that purpose, I think more is needed than a somber line of bicycles. Something more dramatic like a coffin towed by black riders in skeleton contume.