KAILUA-KONA — Cyclists with the Hawaii Cycling Club and the Coffee Talk Riders united on Saturday for a Ride of Silence, an event held around the globe annually to commemorate cyclists killed or injured in traffic.
“The ride is a reminder to motorists that we are out there, have a right to be out there, and to be aware of us,” said Daniel Hodel, president of the Hawaii Cycling Club.
This year’s ride started at the Kona Community Aquatic Center, traveled north on Queen Kaahumanu Highway and ended at the West Hawaii Civic Center. The end point was chosen to highlight the March 2015 death of cyclist Jeffrey Surnow, who died in an apparent hit-and-run accident involving a police officer on Waikoloa Road. Hawaii County police officer Jody Buddemeyer was discharged following the incident, but the county prosecutor has yet to file charges.
“The county facility was chosen as a way to say, ‘we’re waiting,’” Hodel said. “We’re expecting charges to be filed but it hasn’t happened yet.”