Fixed-gear cyclists, BMX riders and skateboarders took to the streets outside City Hall Saturday as part of a Black Lives Matter protest.
Linwood Monk organized the “pedal for peace” protest via social media. He said more than 100 people told him they would participate in the event.
“I organized this so that everyone can see that we can do a peaceful ride without it being riots or crazy looting,” Monk said. The ride follows a set of other protests that took place earlier this month in Long Beach calling attention to racial issues and social injustices.
As the group waited for others to join, some cyclists performed tricks on their bikes while jumping off a ledge outside the Port of Long Beach Downtown office.
Monk said the LBPD gave him permission to conduct the peaceful protests. Cruisers were seen following the riders once they rode down Ocean Boulevard toward Bluff Park.
Linwood Monk, the protest organizer, said the event is meant to be peaceful and had permission from the LBPD to conduct the event.
“We can do a peaceful ride without it being riots or like crazy looting,” Monk said.— Sebastian Echeverry (@onlyc_bass5) July 25, 2020