The Fort Myers Police Department, in conjunction with “I Will Mentorship Foundation” (IWMF), and local youth organizations and churches are launching a Community Bike Ride to promote unity between community and law enforcement for the prevention of violence. Through this program IWMF is reconditioning used bicycles provided by FMPD for local youth to use in neighborhood ride-alongs with the Fort Myers Police Department’s Bike Patrol Unit.
Community Bike Rides will enable youth to spend evening hours with local law enforcement, building respect and trust, and exchanging feedback – all to create a better understanding. Most importantly it will give officers the opportunity to build lasting relationships with youth – changing their perceptions of law enforcement for a lifetime. At the end, the bikes will be donated to a local charity.
The rides are scheduled for:
- Wednesday, December 9, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church
- Wednesday, December 16, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Friendship Baptist Church
- Thursday, December 17, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Quality of Life Center
- Friday, December 18, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Stars Complex
For more information please contact:
Gina Frazier
IWMF Board Member
(239) 540-0388
gfrazier@iwmf2.org