The Third Annual Peace Ride will be held on September 29 on the National Mall in the backdrop of rising crimes against youth in the district.
The Peace Ride, planned to raise awareness about youth violence in the city, will bring together nearly 400 D.C. youth, community members, and performing artists.
The event is hosted by D.C.-based community nonprofit, One Common Unity, which is dedicated to breaking cycles of violence against city youth.
We are pedaling for peace! 🌍🚲 Support @OneCommonUnity 's violence prevention program and join the Peace Ride on Saturday, September 29 for some fun, cycling, and yoga! You can register now at https://t.co/MDB6esDENl. We hope to see you all there!#ocupeaceride2018 #ocupeaceride pic.twitter.com/zIDZvQTZLb
— DC Bike Ride (@dcbikeride) September 21, 2018
So far this year, gun homicides in the district have risen to 17, according to the D.C. government data, with young people being the majority of victims. Violent crime in D.C. is still 5.73 times higher than the national average. D.C. Crime statistics from 2015 shows that juvenile detentions for violent crimes in the city are nearly five times higher than the national average.
“Youth in D.C. are four times more likely to die by homicide than by the next closest cause. One Common Unity believes events like the Peace Ride and arts-based programs can be utilized as a tool for self-expression, understanding, and healing,” said Hawah Kasat, executive director of One Common Unity.
“As a community, we should all strive to nurture the youth’s ability to express themselves artistically rather than through violence or aggression.”
The ride participants, including riders and supporters from across D.C, will pedal together in the rally and call for an end to the violence against the city youth.
The event will start at Base Camp, 23rd St. and Constitution Avenue, NW and the participants will together begin cycling at the starting point and pedal along the 19-mile loop. They’ll also have a choice to complete one or multiple loops, take a shorter walk, or a family-friendly 6-mile route.
Live music and poetry performances by students and special guests are also planned throughout the day. All earnings from the event will go to One Common Unity (OCU), and towards supporting its ongoing violence prevention programs in DC public schools.
For registration, visit eventbrite.com