Hilton Head cyclists to join global Ride of Silence

Cyclists on Hilton Head Island will join riders around the world May 20 for the annual Ride of Silence, a coordinated event that honors those killed or injured while cycling on public roads and promotes safer conditions for riders.

The local ride will begin at 7 p.m., with participants asked to gather at 6:30 p.m. at Street Meet in Port Royal Plaza on Mathews Drive. The event is free and open to the public.

The Ride of Silence began in 2003 in Dallas after cyclist Larry Schwartz was killed when he was struck by a passing bus. The first ride drew about 1,000 participants and has since grown into an international movement held each May during National Bike Month.

In 2025, more than 200 rides took place across 38 states and 11 countries, with participants observing the tradition of riding in silence to honor victims and raise awareness.

Locally, organizers expect dozens of riders to participate in the Hilton Head event, which will follow a police-escorted, 9-mile route along U.S. 278. Riders typically travel at a controlled pace of about 10 to 12 mph before returning to the starting point.

The event is organized by the Kickin’ Asphalt Bicycle Club, which encourages riders to register in advance and to arrive with helmets and lights. A brief safety meeting and ceremony will be held before the ride begins.

“Our message is share the road for everyone’s safety,” said John Marcinowski, a member of the club, League Cycling Instructor and the event’s 2026 coordinator.

Organizers say the ride aims to bring attention to the challenges cyclists face on roadways, including close passing by vehicles and unsafe driving behaviors. Under South Carolina law, bicyclists are considered vehicle operators and have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.

The Ride of Silence also seeks to educate the public, including drivers, law enforcement and local officials, about the importance of road safety and mutual respect among all users.

Participants will ride in silence, a defining feature of the event, as a sign of respect for those who have been injured or killed while cycling.
Following the ride, participants are invited to gather informally at the starting location.

For more information or to register, visit kickinasphalt.org.