BikeCo., the North American distributor of Fuji bicycles, has issued a statement that it will stop selling Fuji bicycles to police following a number of incidents in which bicycles have been used as weapons by protesters across the United States.

Protests erupted in cities across the country and around the world after George Floyd was killed by police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in late May. Officer Derek Shovin, who knelt at Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes, was charged with second-degree murder, and three other officers who also knelt at the 46-year-old Floyd were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.

Across the United States, police have responded to protests against police brutality and systematic racism and for justice for Floyd with countless incidents of violence against mostly unarmed civilians. Coverage of the demonstrations has included on-camera footage of police firing rubber bullets at protesters, using tear gas and pepper spray, and in some cases ramming cars into the crowd.

In addition, there have been numerous incidents of police officers using bicycles to beat up protesters; BikeCo. has stated that the tactics used by police are "unacceptable" and far from their original purpose.

"Fuji's core values have always been rooted in supporting communities and organizations that are making a real difference at home and abroad," a statement from the company (opens in new tab) was posted on Instagram.

"It is deeply upsetting to our community, our company, and the Fuji brand to hear of instances where bicycles have been used as weapons against those who oppose the mistreatment of vulnerable people and people of color, and with them to advocate for change. We support many diverse organizations and athletes not because of marketing, but because we want to make a difference in our community. It is unacceptable that these efforts are overshadowed by incidents of bicycle violence.

"We have seen instances in the past week where police have used bicycles in violent tactics. We have always viewed the use of bicycles by police, fire, security, and EMS as a form of better community outreach. Community police on bicycles can connect with and understand their neighbors and promote a positive relationship between law enforcement and the citizens they are sworn to serve and protect.

In a statement, BikeCo. said it has initiated a dialogue with the police department about the use of Fuji bikes and will stop selling them to police until real changes are made.

"In order to make real change, we have begun a dialogue with police departments across the country to address how bikes are being used in policing and to reinforce in police bike training that bikes are not weapons against our communities. At this time, we will suspend the sale of Fuji police bicycles until we are confident that dialogue with these departments has taken place and real change has been made.

"We must also stand together against the mistreatment and abuse of our black and brown communities. Because our Fuji family deserves better. We stand with you and look forward to doing our part to do better. - BikeCo, LLC: North American distributor of Fuji bicycles.

Bicycles made by other companies, including Trek and Volcanic, have been seen in videos of police violence against unarmed protesters. Earlier this week, Trek President John Burke mentioned institutional racism and police violence in a blog titled "When Justice Is Not Enough" (opens in new tab), but did not mention the use of Trek bicycles by police during protests.

Where to Donate

These funds are set up to support protesters, families of victims, and black businesses and charities in the US and abroad. If you are able, please 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 is a national organization that works with lawmakers at all levels to end police brutality and systemic racism through thoroughly researched policy solutions

Reclamation.

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 fund, supporting the black community and the "Black Lives Matter" movement fundraisers large and small, etc.

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

NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund - One of America's largest legal organizations fighting for racial justice. It focuses on litigation, education, and advocacy.

Bail Bonds - A list of places to donate if you want 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 be aware that the 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 in need of emotional support, writer Jesse Sparks has compiled a list of virtual mental health resources 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 - A comprehensive 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 that uses personal stories to illustrate the damage caused by centuries of racist government policies.

What does the demand to "fund the police" mean? What about "abolish prisons?"

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.

Protect your protest - a detailed plan to keep yourself and others safe during a protest.

How to Cop-Proof Your Phone Before Heading to a Protest - A how-to on protecting your cell phone data from 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.

.