Memorial bike ride

Area bicyclists are gearing up to participate in the National Ride of Silence on Wednesday. The 14-mile ride has been organized to commemorate cyclists who have been killed or injured by motorists while cycling on public roads.

In Seattle, the memorial ride will start at 7 p.m. at Gas Works Park at the north end of Lake Union, in the 2100 block of North Northlake Way.

Cyclists are scheduled to proceed silently at a processionlike pace of no more than 12 miles an hour through Fremont, Interbay, downtown, Eastlake and the University District. The ride is free, and cyclists are free to join up. Information is online at www.rideofsilence.org.

The first ride was held in Dallas three years ago after a cyclist died after being struck by the mirror of a passing bus. Since then, the annual event has grown to include 45 states and more than 150 rides this year.

The local ride is supported by the Seattle Bicycle Club, the Cascade Bicycle Club and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington.

Wednesday

The Seattle Public Library will be showing off design sketches for the interior renovation of the University Branch Library, at 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., from 4 to 7 p.m. Renovation of the 96-year-old landmark building is scheduled to be finished next year.

Mayor's arts honors

The Seattle Arts Commission is accepting nominations for the fourth annual Mayor's Arts Awards, which recognize contributions to the city made by artists, arts and cultural organizations, and community members.

The commission will review nominations and recommend recipients. The awards are to be presented by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels during the Labor Day weekend's Bumbershoot festival at Seattle Center.

The nomination deadline is June 5, and nominations must be received by the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs by 5 p.m. that day or postmarked by midnight.

The nomination form is online at www.seattle.gov/arts, or call 206-233-3951 or e-mail peggy.scales@seattle.gov.

Off to the race

With about a month to go before the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's annual Race for the Cure, scores of participants already are signing up. The race is said to be one of the largest 5K walk and run events that raises money for breast-cancer research.

The local race is scheduled on June 17, starting from Qwest Field near Pioneer Square.

Team registration is open until May 30. Information is online at www.komenpugetsound.org.

Here & Now is compiled by Seattle Times staff reporter Charles E. Brown and news assistant Suesan Whitney Henderson. To submit an item, e-mail herenow@seattletimes.com or call 206-464-2226.