At the April 15, 2021 BPAC meeting, members of the BPAC Police Relations Committee led a discussion to propose community rides and walks with the Oakland Police Department.

Overview

The BPAC Police Relations Committee is proposing that BPAC implement community rides with members of the bicycling community and the Oakland Police Department (OPD).

• We want to bring down barriers to understanding that keep us from participating as bicyclists and pedestrians free of intimidation and fear.
• Bicyclists and pedestrians face day to day safety issues, especially from vehicles.
• Address the dynamic of different perspectives, especially with regards to safety.
• Address the implicit bias bicyclists and pedestrians of color face from the OPD.

Planning Our First Ride

• We want to roll-out our first community ride with OPD during the Bike to Wherever Day Pedal Pools on May 21st.
• The community rides will be coordinated with the full BPAC, the BPAC Police Relations Committee, OakDOT, OPD and the public. Members and staff of the Oakland City Council could also be included.
• BPAC would use the BPAC Blog to advertise events to the public and local community organizations and their networks.
• Other details would need to be developed, including ride leaders, routes, duration and protocols.

Next Steps

• Proposal submitted to the full BPAC for consideration at the April BPAC meeting. We respectfully request a Motion to Approve the proposal and BPAC support.
• The BPAC Police Relations Committee would meet and coordinate with OPD management during April/May as well as coordinate with BPAC leadership and local community organizations.
• Report back at the May BPAC and invite OPD representatives to attend
• Expanding group rides to include group walks.
• While ambitious, again, it is hoped that the first community rides with the OPD happen on Bike to Wherever Day on May 21st.

The full presentation is below.

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