A Memorial Bike Ride

The Midland Police Department hosted a 25 mile bike ride today to honor fallen police officers.  And just before the riders took off, Officer John Kerrigan read the names of 22 Texas officers who have been killed in the line of duty since May 1, 2007, along with the names of three MPD officers who have been killed since 1935.

In an amazing coincidence, there were 22 riders signed up to make the ride, one per fallen officer.

Although no one could guarantee their safety, this looks like a reasonably safe way to make a long bike ride -- there is safety in numbers especially with police vehicles in the front and back.  When a car or truck collides with a bicycle it's the bicyclist who usually pays the price.  It's a tragedy when it happens, and it's enough to discourage many who might otherwise like to ride a bike on public streets and roads (that would include me).  There have been some tragic accidents over the years locally, so maybe some of those riders today wearing PBBA T-shirts were honoring fallen cyclists as well.