Trek issued a statement about its "commitment to a better future" after its bicycles were used by US police officers as weapons against protesters during "Black Lives Matter" marches across the US. Trek is one of many suppliers of bicycles to U.S. police forces.

Over the past week and a half, various images and videos of police officers using their bikes as weapons and shields - apparently trained to use them as such - have appeared online and in the media.

Trek has been forced to respond to the use of police bikes. According to Cycling News, members of Trek's Advocates program are calling for support and action for the "Black Lives Matter" movement.

In a statement posted on Cycling Tips (opens in new tab), Trek said it had seen photos and videos of Trek bikes being "used by police in a manner that is abhorrent and very different from how they were intended to be used."

Last week, Fuji Bikes announced that it would stop selling bikes to police because of evidence of misuse. Trek has not said it will stop selling bikes to police, and two models are still listed as available for purchase on its website.

"Recently we have seen photos and videos of Trek bikes being used by police in a manner that is abhorrent and very different from their intended use.

"For over 25 years we have seen police riding motorcycles, leaving their patrol cars and offices, and building relationships in the communities they serve. In the past two weeks, our view of police on bikes has changed from a community asset to a liability.

"A positive outcome of the recent protests is that true police reform is beginning to be discussed at the local and national levels. We believe that motorcycles can play a positive role by keeping officers out of cars and armored vehicles and into communities where they can build trust."

"We believe that the police should be able to take a more active role in the community.

In a public statement titled 'All in' on its website, Trek recognized that more can be done toward racial equality, increasing jobs in the cycling industry for people of color, bringing bikes, jobs, and stores to underserved communities, Trek said it announced a number of initiatives and funding to work to create a more inclusive culture and a more diverse future for competitive cycling.

"We are dedicated to learning, changing, and taking action, and this starts with committing to a plan to address systemic racism. We believe that black lives matter and that blacks, African Americans, and other people of color in this country do not have the same opportunities that whites have," Trek's statement reads.

Trek's plans include investing $2.5 million over 10 years in a new retail management and bicycle mechanic training scholarship program that will provide a career path for 1,000 people of color to improve diversity at Trek headquarters, Trek retail stores, and the cycling industry as a whole. The program includes investing $2.5 million over 10 years.

The company also announced that it will invest $5 million over the next three years to establish new bike stores in underserved communities. It also plans to establish a $1 million community investment fund for entrepreneurs of color and existing Trek dealers to open stores in underserved areas.

"We invest in people who share our vision of a more diverse future and are committed to improving their local communities. If you are interested, please contact us at [email protected]," Trek wrote.

In addition, all Trek employees will complete diversity and inclusion training provided by an approved outside resource by the end of 2020, and Trek employees will be able to use their paid time off to volunteer at community-building nonprofit organizations.

"This training will make Trek a more welcoming environment for people of color and allow us to hire a more diverse workforce," the statement said.

Trek owns the Trek Segafredo men's and women's WorldTour teams, but acknowledged that "the lack of diversity in professional cycling is in part due to a training system that lacks people of color."

It pledged to establish a scholarship fund over the next 10 years to equip 25 NICA (National Intercollegiate Cycling Association) teams composed of children from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

"The kids competing today in NICA are the future of professional cycling. Schools and organizations will have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship through NICA beginning this year."

"The NICA will be a great opportunity for schools and organizations to compete in the sport of cycling.

Trek concluded: "This is a long road and every journey starts somewhere. We have a history of doing the right thing, taking on the hard work, and producing meaningful results. Together, we can change the world"

.

These funds have been established to support protesters, families of victims, and black businesses and charities in the United States and abroad. If possible, consider setting up a recurring donation to one of the following organizations to provide sustained support beyond this moment.

Campaign Zero - Launched by Black Lives Matter activists, Campaign Zero works with lawmakers at all levels to end police brutality and institutional racism through thoroughly researched policy solutions It is a national organization that works to.

Reclaim the Block - Founded in 2015, this group organizes local Minneapolis communities and city councils to redirect funds from police departments to other initiatives that promote health and safety.

Black Lives Matter Resources - The linked Black Lives Matter website includes a comprehensive list of donors: victims, protesters, black businesses, legal defense funds, and black communities and "Black Lives Matter" movements and "Black Lives Matter" movement, as well as large and small fundraisers to support the black community and the Black Lives Matter movement.

The Marshall Project - non-profit journalism that "seeks to create and sustain a national sense of urgency about the U.S. criminal justice system."

NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund - One of the largest legal organizations in the United States fighting for racial justice. It focuses on litigation, education, and advocacy.

Bail Bonds - A list of places to donate if you would like to contribute to bail bonds for protesters arrested in Minneapolis, Atlanta, New York, and many other cities; with ActBlue, you can easily split your donation among many funds, but remember that this organization has its own transaction fees. Please keep in mind that this organization charges its own transaction fees.

Coming to terms with the events of the past week has not been easy. Violence and anger are sometimes almost incomprehensible. As we all struggle to understand how to cope and what to do, we have found several videos, books, and articles that can be helpful. We have tried to combine materials that provide context and broaden our understanding.

7 Virtual Mental Health Resources Supporting Black People Now - For readers who need emotional support, writer Jesse Sparks has compiled a list of virtual mental health resources that are serving the black community, Black See also Girls Smile's list of resources.

Bad Form Review's Reading List - books on institutional racism in the US, the Black Lives Matter movement, social justice, etc., and links to independent bookstores.

For White Friends Who Want to Be Allies - Courtney Ariel's article is a great outline for white people who want to help elevate others without inadvertently talking about themselves.

Anti-racism resources for white people - An exhaustive list of anti-racism media, including movies to watch, essays to read, and people to follow to further educate yourself.

The Case for Reparations - A deeply reported article by Ta-Nehisi Coates, using personal stories to illustrate the damage caused by centuries of racist government policies.

What does the demand to "fund the police" mean?" What about "prison abolition?

You probably won't hear mainstream politicians discussing these ideas, but you may see them on protest signs. If these demands are new to you, abolitionist @jaybeware explains them briefly in a Twitter thread and provides links to books and essays that expand on the topic. See also Angela Davis' book, "Are Prisons Obsolete?"

If you plan to attend a physical protest, here are some useful links to make sure you have everything you need to stay safe. What to Bring to a Peaceful Protest-Vice's guide to what to bring to a protest.

Protect your protest - A detailed plan for keeping yourself and others safe during a protest.

How to protect your cell phone from cops before heading to a protest - A how-to on protecting your cell phone data by Gizmodo.

ACLU Know your rights - Everything you need to know about your rights as a protester and what to do if you are detained by police.