Mountains and palm trees framed the cycling crowd at the start of the Santa Cruz Valley Area Ride of Silence on May 19, in honor of cyclists who have been injured or killed while riding.

The Ride was part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness about bicyclists on the road and ask that we all share the road. Mayor Lynne Skelton joined others from Sahuarita and Green Valley in the Ride of Silence to honor Jerome Featherman, killed on September 3, 2009, and Fred Hettig, killed on March 22, 2006. About 110 cyclists rode a 7-mile route through Green Valley and Sahuarita. Before the ride, Green Valley Hike and Bike provided snacks to participants and a chance to say hello to old and new friends. Then Chuck Hill of the Santa Cruz Valley Bicycle Advocacy Committee thanked participants, the Sheriff's Department for escorts, and a trumpeter played Amazing Grace and Taps.

Cyclists rode to the site of Featherman's death, marked by a white “ghost bike.” They continued in silence through traffic lights, whatever color, protected by the Sherriff's Department.

Except for a couple of fast descents, the Ride was a slow and comfortable pace. It was especially slow into the headwind. Cyclists finished in lengthening evening shadows, with local drivers respecting the group, and hopefully, respecting the rights of all cyclists in the future.