Arlington BLM Ride and Rally

[SarahBee]

1) I want to first acknowledge the organizers for this event. This is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. I do have some questions about the messaging:
2) This ride will be escorted by on-duty police officers who will armed but primarily tasked with controlling challenging intersections. Based off the objectives of the Ride are we:
A) sure that the officers assigned agree with the messaging and
are the organizers aware of and comfortable with the perception to the community of a event supported by police officers (maybe) or assigned to support the event (maybe) who will be armed because they are “on duty”?
C) How would the perceptions noted in be perceived by the greater Arlington community and/or the cycling community
3) I’m all for organized rides to support important causes, but this instance I feel that public perception and clear messaging of intent is even more critical.
4) Given that there is documented under-representation of non-Caucasian’s inclusion in cycling. How does this event try to overcome that obstacle in participation? How do we make Bike Arlington events more heterogenous and more representative of actual Arlington demographics?

Personally, I like the idea of the ride but have a lot of heartburn going on a bike ride with anyone armed, police or otherwise.

Thank you for hearing me out.

[smb9600]

I hear your concerns on the armed police-

ArlCo has an extensive permitting process for events, and I would guess that this size of event would require ACPD participation to (legally) occur.

I can’t speak to this event specifically, but I can say that these types of events typically have police patrols accompanying them to close intersections as they progress and protect the participants from potential vehicle crashes (unintended or intentional).

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