St. Stephens in Portland to Honor Tracey Sparling and Bless Bikes

In Salem, the 2010 Ride of Silence will be on Wednesday, May 19th at 6pm. John Henry Maurice and Joanne Heilinger of the Salem Bicycle Club will lead the ride, which departs from the "red lot" downtown. Since 2003 "the mission of the world wide Ride of Silence is to honor bicyclists killed by motorists, promote sharing the road, and provide awareness of bicycling safety.

Today at 5:30pm, at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Portland, West Salem grad Tracey Sparling's ghost bike will be dedicated in the Shrine of Madonna del Ghisallo. From St. Stephens' calendar:

Bike Blessing and Memorial
Tuesday, April 13 at 5:30 pm

Healing service and bike blessing in memory of Tracy Sparling, struck and killed in 2007 at 14th and Burnside. Tracy's parents donated the ghost bike that stood for two years at intersection where the accident occurred to St Stephen's. The ghost bike is now placed in the Shrine of Madonna del Ghisallo. The service will include the dedication of a plaque to be placed in the shrine as a memorial to Tracy, a spring blessing of bicycles and prayers for safety of everyone sharing our streets.

Bring your bike and your prayers for this special service of healing and remembrance. If you don't have a bike, come anyway with welcome, warmth and compassion. (Photo: The Oregonian)

More at The Oregonian and BikePortland.

Updated: BikePortland has a report about the dedication and blessing.