By HEIDI GASSER
BG Independent News
On a cool, overcast Wednesday in the parking lot of the Veteran Memorial Building, a group of somber but hopeful cyclists of Bowling Green gathered to observe the 10th annual “Ride of Silence,” a movement to commemorate bicycle riders who have been killed or injured on public roads.
The Bowling Green ride represented 17 individuals from across the county, with each name read out loud prior to the start of the silent ride.
While cycling celebrates health and freedom of movement, the national Ride of Silence aims to make motor vehicle operators and cyclists alike aware of the risks involved in sharing roadways. Preventable fatalities involving bicycles average under 1,500 annually in the United States. However, deaths have increased 37% in the past decade.
At Bowling Green’s observance, community members were asked to speak in preparation for an 8 mile journey around town escorted by the police division – on bike and via police car.
Ahead of the ride, Mayor Mike Aspacher pledged the city’s commitment to pedestrian and bicyclist safety through ongoing projects and initiatives.
“It’s a work in progress. This year, you are going to see the fruition of some of this work begin to manifest,” Aspacher said.
Some spoke as family and friends of victims of bicycling accidents. Meg Ramlow, wife of the late Eric Ramlow, remembered organizing the first ride in BG 10 years ago, when her husband lost his life in an accident. Marianne Pirolli, sister of Larry Sattler, who was killed while riding his bicycle in 2020, said her brother had loved riding his bike before his passing. She invited community members to enjoy a cookout after the group ride.
Gary Donaldson’s wife, Sue, shared that since he was hit while cycling just past a railroad track crossing on Devil’s Hole Road, new signs have been installed to designate a “rough crossing.”
Their son, Justin of Sylvania, picked up riding a bicycle again to honor his father, who was an avid bicyclist.
“The ride is significant, not just for my dad, but for everyone else who’s lost someone,” he said. “He lost his life because of a tragedy and carelessness; that’s the hard part. Now it’s important to make people aware of bicycles and that we have just as much right on the road.”
“Thank you all for being here. The pain never ever goes away. But to know that we are here to support each other, in this community, with our losses [helps],” Sue Donaldson said, “And thank you, Mayor Aspacher, for what you have been doing.”
Others shared their grievances as cyclists who face routine risks of the road.
Shelley Blachuta, a retiree who cycles regularly through Bowling Green, said that she wants to improve awareness and respect for bicycle users, and that motorists should stop viewing riders as “dumb cyclists.” Blachuta shared that she changed her cycling route to avoid hostility in certain areas.
“I get [honked] at by drivers in these large four-wheel pick-ups, and I have had drivers screaming profanities at me,” Blachuta said.
Amanda Gamby, city communications director and event organizer of 8 years said that ensuring safety was a priority for Wednesday’s ride.
“Our police division here in Bowling Green is incredibly supportive of this event,” Gamby said.
“The way we structure the ride is that it’s a rolling closure ride with a police escort. As we are coming through different intersections, there are police cars who are blocking those intersections and making sure it’s safe for us to travel through. We also have officers that ride on bikes during this ride … We also have bicycle safety commission members available if anyone needs anything, or breaks down and needs help getting a ride.”
Gamby said that her hope for the event was to “bring folks together as a part of their healing process,” to both grieve heartfelt loss, and empower within the community
“It’s a very moving ride. I hope it’s very healing for the families that participate, to be able to have a small piece of being a part of the event. It’s pretty emotional each year,” Gamby said.
Greg Dickerson, bicycle safety commission member, rode in this year’s event to commemorate the late Geoffrey Radbill, BGSU trustee and philanthropist, killed in a cycling accident in New York City in December 2025. Dickerson works as a Life Design coach at the university, and said Radbill was responsible for numerous opportunities for BGSU staff and students.
“The reason why I’m here, working at BGSU, was because of his generosity and what he gave to Life Design, Dickerson said.
Dickerson said that Radbill would have supported the Ride of Silence.
“He was an avid cyclist,” Dickerson said, “He would be in favor of any events that support cyclists.”
Ed Metzger started cycling to recover from a knee injury, riding a special elliptical bike that his late friend, Eric Ramlow, teased him about for being “noisy.”
Metzger and Ramlow were riding together when Ramlow was hit and killed by a motor vehicle.
“Isn’t the saying like, when you fall off a bike, the only thing you do is get back on and ride? That’s kind of the way this was. It was really difficult, right afterwards. You get on and start riding, and you start thinking about what happened and all those sensors go off, kind of like PTSD.”
He started riding on trails and became picky about the roads that he rides on.
Ramlow’s widow, Metzger and others sported matching T-Shirts in Ramlow’s honor.
“It brings about those memories of being with him, and the things that he did. He was such a great, giving guy,” Metzger said.
Event organizer Andy McDermott said that as a member of the city Bicycle Safety Commission, his goal is to promote awareness and safety overall for cyclists and motor vehicle operators.
“Everyone should know, if they don’t already, that there is risk involved. Most people have different risk tolerances, where some are more comfortable on the road, and with following the rules of the road, and that’s one of the goals of the bicycle safety commission: making people more comfortable, and educating the general public on cycling …”
Gamby stated that through ongoing awareness, community healing and problem solving, that the goal of next year’s ride is to have “no new names.”
Reporter Julie Carle contributed to the article.
