The annual “Ride of Silence” Wednesday (05.21) night honors Charles City-area bicyclists killed after being struck by vehicles.
Organizer Bob Krueger recalls the most recent victim, Ellen Bengston, who died in August 2020 after being hit by a pickup driven by a distracted driver south of Charles City.
Also being honored in Charles City are Bob Philips, killed in 2016, and Brian Lauterbach, killed in 2014.
No pre-registration is required for the “Ride of Silence,” which starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday at The Pub in Charles City. The ride will last about an hour, rain or shine, unless there’s severe weather. Helmets are required.
This year’s Ride will be the first since Governor Kim Reynolds signed new hands-free legislation in April to make it illegal to handle a smart phone while driving in Iowa.
Ellen Bengston’s father, Peter Bengtson, was there for the bill-signing.
Starting July 1st, Iowa law enforcement officers may begin giving warnings to motorists caught illegally handling a phone while driving. Starting January 1, 2026, violators will be fined one-hundred dollars.
Along with Charles City, Rides of Silence are also being held tonight in Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Mason City, Des Moines and Sioux City. In addition, there are similar rides in more than 200 cities across the U.S. and in at least 15 other countries.
