The first time I fully realized the dangers of gun violence was Friday, December 14, 2012. It is my first memory of unspeakable violence of one person to another. It was my first recollection of the horrible issue that is gun violence. Sadly to say, this was not the first incident of its nature that our nation has seen; and even sadder than that, it was not the last. It is disheartening to see just how little has been done in terms of gun control legislation to stop the senseless killings that our country faces everyday.
I ride to stop the violence that is all too common in our times. I ride to spread awareness that things need to change. A person on a no-fly list should not be allowed to purchase a weapon meant to kill. Background checks must be enforced in the sale of arms. And not only that, people faced with mental disabilities must be able to get the help they need if this violence is to end. Our country needs gun control reform before more children become a statistic in this horrible issue.
I ride in support of those that have lost a loved one to gun violence. I ride to show them that their loss has not and will not be forgotten. I ride for those that will never get to experience the love that cycling has brought me. I ride to show that life is more important than a gun. I ride in support of the strong families of Newtown, Orlando, Blacksburg, Littleton, and the countless others that have felt the heartbreak that gun violence has caused.
Sandy Hook Ride on Washington
Sandy Hook Ride on Washington
For the 6th time, 26 cyclists will ride to honor the 26 killed at the Sandy Hook School and all victims of gun violence, to raise awareness of the public health crisis of gun violence, and to support common sense measures to reduce it. We will ride Newtown, Connecticut to Washington, D.C. from May 5 to May 8, 2018 Our ride will take us towards and through states that are working to reduce gun violence. Until members of the Congress do their jobs and pass laws to make Americans safer instead of offering thoughts and prayers for victims, we will continue to ride.
Sandy Hook Ride on Washington