A small group of cyclists left the parking lot behind Oconee Outfitters Wednesday evening to remind drivers on the roads and highways of Milledgeville and Baldwin County to keep an eye on the road and to be careful when it comes to their two-wheeled companions.

The “Ride of Silence,” as it was called, was a nationwide event to honor those cyclists injured or killed along roadways in the United States and across the world.

The first ride was held in 2003 at White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas, and drew more than 1,000 riders from word of mouth.

Word of mouth was one of the ways the Bicycling Club of Milledgeville had announced its intentions to have a Milledgeville participation in the ride, which occurred at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

At least eight club members rode more than 10 miles around the downtown Milledgeville area in quiet but strong support for two-wheeled travelers.

“It’s a ride in honor and remembrance of people that have been killed or injured along roads. This is our way to pay respect to those hurt and remind drivers that if you hit someone, you don’t just hit a cyclist but you hit a person,” club President Benny Watson said.

The Bicycling Club of Milledgeville frequently engages in activities that promote bicycle awareness and advocacy, including its recent “April Fool’s Ride,” through Ivey and McIntyre that led participants along a combination of remote and frequently traveled county and state roads.

Proceeds from that event are expected to be used to purchase “Share the Road” signs for Milledgeville and Baldwin County roads.

Rick Lockhart is a local physician and avid cyclist who knows not just the importance of keeping a close eye on passing vehicles and their occupants but also the importance of health and fitness as it pertains to a two-wheeled lifestyle.

Lockhart was among those that took to the roads Wednesday to remember and pay tribute to those cyclists unfortunate enough to have met bicycle with four-wheeled vehicle.

“I am here to honor those who have been hurt while cycling and to remind drivers to try to display and learn respect for those on the highways,” Lockhart said. “People need to be more aware of bicycles. Until there is a bicycle path or a reasonable awareness about bicycle safety, I think right now you take a real chance if you are on a major roadway.”