Birmingham bicyclists hosting annual Ride of Silence on May 20

Local cyclists will gather tomorrow night in downtown Birmingham for a powerful, quiet demonstration.

On Wednesday, May 20, at 6:45PM, Birmingham will join communities across the nation for the 24th annual Ride of Silence. Starting at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the free, slow-paced ride honors cyclists who have been injured or killed while riding on public roadways, while also raising critical awareness for cycling safety.

Raising safety awareness for bikers

Though cycling continues to grow in popularity throughout the Magic City, representatives of the Birmingham Bicycle Club say that the state still has a long way to go.

Alabama sits near the bottom of the nation at 46th overall, lagging behind significantly in infrastructure planning, education and safety encouragement, according to the League of American Bicyclists’ 2024 “Bicycle Friendly States” rankings.

Birmingham Councilperson Darrell O’Quinn expressed the importance of cyclist safety and the city’s commitment to making the streets a safer place for all.

“The annual Ride of Silence honors those individuals who have been killed while cycling. It’s a reverent occasion for participants who gather in solidarity to honor those who have been lost too soon and an important reminder to motorists that they have a grave responsibility to ensure the safety of vulnerable road users.

“The City of Birmingham is heavily engaged in restoring and retrofitting our transportation network into one that acknowledges and accommodates all modes.”

Birmingham Councilperson Darrell O’Quinn

Beyond being a sustainable form of transportation, the Birmingham Bicycle Club highlights that cycling offers massive community health benefits, including:

• Increased cardiovascular fitness
• Decreased stress levels
• Improved strength + coordination

Ride of Silence Birmingham event details

Tomorrow’s memorial event will begin with a brief ceremony at 6:45PM before the silent procession starts rolling. The route spans roughly eight miles and will be safely escorted by the Birmingham Police Department.

• When: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6:45PM
• Where: Starting at Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL)
• Requirements: Everyone is welcome, but participants must:
  • Wear a helmet
  • Follow the rules of the road
  • Maintain a 12 mph pace

For more information on the global movement, visit the official Ride of Silence website.

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