'Silent' St. Paul ride reminds bikers, motorists to co-exist

Ron Schwartz meets with bikers in May 2013 for the Ride of Silence off of Summit Avenue in St. Paul. The annual nationwide event calls on cyclists to take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. (Courtesy of Ron Schwartz)

In 2004, Larry Schwartz was inducted posthumously into the UltraCycling Hall of Fame. (Courtesy of UltraMarathon Cycling Association)

Marathon cyclist Larry Schwartz biked an average of 20,000 miles a year for his own enjoyment, retiring at 38 to fully delve into the sport. He became a nationally known rider.

One month before he was to be married, Schwartz, 42, was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Dallas, where he lived, when he was clipped by the mirror of a passing school bus while riding his bike.

His family and friends -- stunned that one tragic accident killed an expert bicyclist -- decided to use his memory to help motorists and bicyclists safely co-exist.

On Wednesday, the Ride of Silence will take place in St. Paul, part of what is now a worldwide bicycling event to underscore the number of cyclists injured or killed by motor vehicles.

Larry Schwartz (Courtesy of BikeTexas.org)

Started in 2003 by one of Larry Schwartz's friends, Chris Phelan, the ride aims to honor and remember cyclist injured or killed on public roadways and to raise awareness about traffic laws for motor vehicles and bicycles.

Cyclists are asked to ride -- safely, with helmets on, and in silence.

Organized locally by Schwartz's brother, Ron Schwartz of St. Paul, the ride will span roughly eight miles roundtrip along Summit Avenue in St. Paul.

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'Silent' St. Paul ride reminds bikers, motorists to co-exist