BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Bike Bakersfield held their annual Ride in Silence event Wednesday night in honor of cyclist killed on the roadways.

Participants met outside of Cafe Smitten. The ceremony began at 6:30 p.m. with a poem reading and safety announcements followed by a silent bike ride.

The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road and remain silent during the ride. There are no registration fees.

The ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for and honor the lives of those who have been killed or injured.