Violence in Our Streets: How we can show up in this moment as the biking community

When we talk about safe streets, we don’t just mean bike lanes and protection from vehicles. Our advocacy is guided by a belief that no matter how people move through our streets— whether by bike, in a car, rolling in a wheelchair, or marching in protest— they should be able to do so freely, without fear of violence.

We love bikes because of how they transform people’s lives and make our cities better. A safe and comfortable bike ride doesn’t exist in a vacuum: it’s due to the physical and social infrastructure that exists to support the health, access, priorities, and opportunities of our neighbors.

The attacks on everyday people in the streets of Minneapolis betray the values of safe, thriving communities. We are heartbroken and in mourning with the families and communities of Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and all those who have been harmed or killed by ICE in this recent surge of violence*. These are not isolated tragedies: they are the result of a system that treats public space as a battleground and our neighbors as expendable.

Systems of oppression are not unfamiliar to us in the East Bay. Our cities are vibrant places rooted in the contributions of immigrants, and unfortunately, we have a long history (and current reality) of injustice, racism, and state violence. Though it may not be as visible as what’s happening in Minneapolis, ICE violence is impacting the East Bay. Some of our neighbors are being abducted by ICE, faith leaders holding vigil have been attacked by federal agents, and many others are afraid to go to school, work, or even out to get groceries.  

From the East Bay to Minneapolis, we stand in solidarity against this systemized violence. We are inspired by the mass organizing, mutual aid, and creative protests we have seen rise up from the grassroots, and believe that people power is our greatest resource in building a future where streets are places for care, connection, and community. We are committed to using bicycles as one of our tools to show up in this movement and reclaim people-first public spaces.

As a member of the Bike East Bay community, here’s how you can show up in this moment:

• Through our Green Mobility Ambassadors program, we learn how to navigate public meetings and give public comments. Where can we show up locally, and how can we speak up to resource our most vulnerable neighbors? 
  
  
• In our group rides, we meet new people and learn to look out for one another, share our supplies, and ensure nobody gets left behind. How can we practice this type of mutual aid and care when we show up for our immigrant neighbors and anyone else being targeted with violence?
  
  
• On our everyday commutes as cyclists, we’re aware of cars and other hazards. Right now, unmarked vehicles and random traffic stops are instilling fear. How can we use the power of observation to inform and protect people at risk?
  
  
• We get information out to folks about rides and events through email, social media, and word of mouth. How can we leverage the channels we use to invite people out of isolation, and into community action?

If you’re looking for a way to show up and take action with your bike: ride with us this Saturday, in honor of Alex Pretti and all people facing state violence. We’re joining the rest of the East Bay cycling community at Rockridge BART Plaza at 10am, with a 10:30am roll-out.

Thanks for rolling with us, and believing in a vision of safe streets for all. 

In community,

The Bike East Bay Team
Jill, Justin, Rebecca, Amanda, Chelsey, Dani, Elka, Kelly, Lauren, Marissa, Nancy, Phil and Robert

*Beyond Minneapolis, in just the last few months ICE has also shot and killed Silverio Villegas Gonzalez (Chicago), Keith Porter (Los Angeles), Isaias Sanchez Barboza (Rio Grande City), among others. An additional 32 people died while held in ICE detention facilities last year.