The annual Ride of Silence is a reminder that cycling—despite all it gives us individually and as a community—carries real risk. Each year, we ride together to honor those risks and the people who have paid the highest price.
This year’s Ride comes just weeks before the one‑year anniversary of the death of schoolteacher Jeremy Austin Wanak, who was killed on July 10, 2025, while riding his bicycle here in Salem. Mr. Damon Kyle Johson was arrested at the scene and later indicted on charges of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Reckless Driving, Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicants, and Recklessly Endangering Another.
Mr. Johnson remains in the custody of the Marion County Sheriff, with trial currently scheduled for August.
Mr. Wanak’s death followed, by only two years, the loss of Marganne Allen, who was struck and killed by a driver at an intersection near Bush’s Pasture Park.