Cyclists from across Central Florida are invited to take part in the 2026 Central Florida Ride of Silence on Wednesday, May 20, at Clermont Waterfront Park. The annual event joins a worldwide movement dedicated to honoring cyclists who have been injured or killed on public roadways while promoting safety and awareness among all who share the road.
Held each year on the third Wednesday of May, the Ride of Silence is a solemn, funeral-style group ride conducted in complete silence. The Central Florida ride will continue the tradition established by the original Clermont Ride of Silence events held from 2012 through 2023.
No registration is required for participants. Organizers simply ask riders to arrive with a helmet and a commitment to ride respectfully and silently in remembrance of fallen cyclists.
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
- Location: Clermont Waterfront Park, Clermont, Florida
(Participants will gather on both sides of the South Lake Trail adjacent to the event field.)
Schedule
- 6:30 p.m. — Gathering begins
- 6:45 p.m. — Welcome and announcements
- 7:00 p.m. — Ride departs promptly
Ride Course
The ride will follow an 8.2-mile clockwise loop around Lake Minneola at a controlled pace of approximately 10–12 mph. Riders unable to complete the full route are encouraged to begin at the rear of the group and ride along the South Lake Trail to the Lake Hiawatha Preserve roundabout before returning to Waterfront Park.
Safety and Support
The procession will be escorted by the Clermont Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, with officers stationed at key intersections to assist riders where cyclists do not have the right of way.
Participants are encouraged to wear:
- Black armbands in memory of someone killed while cycling
- Red armbands if they have personally been injured in a bicycle-versus-vehicle accident
Important Reminders
Organizers stress that the Ride of Silence is not a race, but a peaceful tribute and awareness event. Participants are asked to observe the following rules:
- Helmets are mandatory
- Riders must remain silent throughout the event
- No headphones are permitted under Florida law
- Participants assume all risks associated with riding on public roads and trails
Event organizers also expressed gratitude to the community partners who help make the ride possible, including:
- Clermont Police Department
- Lake County Sheriff’s Department
- Sommer Sports Events
- Bike Law
- Winter Garden Wheel Works
The Ride of Silence has grown into a global event observed in 48 countries, across seven continents, all 50 U.S. states, and Washington, D.C. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safer streets and increased awareness for cyclists everywhere.
For more information, visit the official Ride of Silence website or search for the “Central Florida Ride of Silence” Facebook event page.
