(Photo by Elvert Barnes)
The Metropolitan Police Department is rolling out a plan for community engagement with is first-ever community bike ride. Amid debate about the mayor’s plan to increase police presence on the streets, officers will pedal their ways through neighborhoods alongside community members.
The ride is the brainchild of Police Chief Cathy Lanier and Assistant Chief of Police Diane Groomes, according to Lieutenant Shane Lamond of the 4th District precinct.
It will take place November 29 at 10:00 a.m., starting at MPD Headquarters (300 Indiana Avenue, NW). The 1st, 4th, and 5th districts will host the ride and provide six officers each. The route will include portions of the Metropolitan Branch Trail, which has seen multiple incidents of robberies and attacks in the past.
Earlier this year, Mayor Muriel Bowser was met with outcries of concern after she announced a plan to increase police presence in response to a rise in violent crime.
The ride’s mission is two-fold. “They’re trying to promote the police mountain bike program and increase community involvement at the same time,” Lamond says.
Officers will ride their new Volcanic Vx9-model 10-speed bikes, 35 of which hit the streets in last month, according to the Washington Post. The bikes are outfitted with flashing lights, sirens, high beams, and rechargeable batteries.
Community cyclists will ride their own two-wheelers, and helmets are mandatory. Safety first! Covering nearly 15 miles, the journey is slated to last for about 2.5 hours.
If the ride’s turnout is sizable enough, MPD will continue to show up in communities in this manner by hosting quarterly rides, says Lamond, “and in the future, involve some of the District youth in bike activities geared more toward children.”
D.C. is among the top cities for bike lovers across the country, which should work to MPD’s advantage. But even if you aren’t a daily rider, this is a chance to get to know officers through a “friendly activity where everyone can [be] in the outdoors, enjoy some exercise together and ride together in a friendly event,” Lamond says.
