Massive ATV, Dirt Bike Ride Tonight in Providence Along With Protest
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
A massive ATV and dirt bike ride is planned for Tuesday night in Providence — as a protest expecting hundreds of people is scheduled for 6 PM on Elmwood Avenue.
Dubbed “Hallowheelie Season V”, the bike event planned mirrors that of what took place on Sunday, when 300 vehicles ran rampant through Providence.
A rider, Jhamal Gonsalves, was seriously injured in an accident involving police which is currently under investigation.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTOne rider — Jeremy Costa — appealed for elected officials to provide a place for riders to go.
“I will say that one City Councilwoman from Providence has reached out, but we need more. I post this post to show other elected official that there are alternatives to policy’s ordinances and policing of ATVs, bikes, moped and scooters in our city. And that alternative can build businesses and bonds,” said Costa.
“We have parks and old charter schools that are not being used and a golf course behind Hartford projects just sitting. We are number I in Natural space in the country. We need you to invest the same money and time into a park just like you do skate park and sports fields,” he continued. “Stop trying to marginalize the black and brown folks because we are not going to stop.”
On Monday, Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements said behavior of the large bike groups was reckless — and illegal.
"Unfortunately, this a huge challenge — for this police department, departments around the country and other municipalities in Rhode Island face," said Clements. "These vehicles operate in an unsafe and reckless manner — [riding] into oncoming traffic, no regard for others' safety, going through red lights and stop signs."
“Justice for Jhamal” Protest Planned
A protest is also scheduled for 6 PM at Knight Memorial Library.
According to the event’s Facebook back, over 500 people plan on attending — with close to 2,000 more saying they might.
Event organizers write:
Jhamal Gonsalves is currently in a coma because a Providence police officer deliberately hit his motor scooter with a police cruiser. That is willful attempt of manslaughter.
Police operates in Black, Native and Latinx neighborhoods still follow the logic of an armed occupation force. Providence police is set to get 88 million dollars next year to brutalize and to commit crimes against people.
We demand:
1. An Independent investigation.
2. Fire and charge the police officers involved with attempted manslaughter.
3. Reparations for Jhamal and his family.
4. Immediately cut the Providence police department budget.
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