As you saw on this blog yesterday, I rode in an organized, police-escorted motorcycle ride in downtown DC on Sunday. The event was called the “Law Ride,” and kicks off Police Week in Washington, DC. The ride is held to pay respects to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

According to the organizers, this event has been held for 19 years, though I only found out about it and began attending it in 2006, eight years ago.

How was Sunday’s ride?

… a bust. Well, sorta. Let me explain.

In past years, hundreds of motor officers from all over the U.S. attended the event. It was great to see cops from many jurisdictions, from Maine to Florida to California to Washington. All the motor units from the surrounding area attended, including Federal Government agencies, state agencies, and each county and city PD or Sheriff’s Office that had motor units.

However, by about 2010, the numbers of motorcops attending the event declined precipitously. At the time, the explanation was that the economy was bad and that some motor units were being disbanded. Other jurisdictions that still had motor units could not get permission to go since restrictions on taking their police motorcycles out of state were imposed.

Last year, the worst showing ever (to date) by cops was what I observed. About two dozen. The claim about the reduced number of active duty officers participating was that the weather was cool and cloudy.

This year, the number of participating officers from jurisdictions other than the MPD (Washington DC’s police department) was 14 from five jurisdictions: Baltimore County, MD; Bulloch County, GA; City of Orlando, FL; Detroit, MI; and Prince George’s County, MD. No Federal or state agencies. No other local PDs except MPD (Washington DC) and PGPD (local Maryland.)

I asked some of the officers what they thought about the low attendance, and I also asked my friend who is with my local county’s motor unit. All said the same thing: poor publicity and planning. Few knew about it. They did say, however, that there are still restrictions on bringing police motorcycles out of jurisdiction and the red tape to acquire the approval is not worth the effort.

My local county friend said that his main concern has always been that the event is always held on Mother’s Day, and he does not want to take time away from precious time at home with family.

It is not a problem (this time) with bikers being cheap. There was no entry fee, though donations to the Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial fund were welcome, though not required.

Yesterday, those 14 officers from six jurisdictions (including MPD) escorted about 100 Blue Knights (motor officer’s riding club members, many of whom are retired), as well as about 500 wannabes and supporters. The weather was absolutely fantastic. Bright, sunny blue sky with moderate temperatures made for the perfect day for a ride.

The ride itself was great. Rode through a short section of downtown DC, including up to and around the U.S. Capitol Building. It is always stunning to see so many bikers riding information past the Capitol. Then we ride a short 5 blocks further, to the Memorial at 5th and F Streets, NW.

I got a bit miffed when the ride arrived at the Memorial in DC, more than 90% of the riders did not stay for the recognition/wreath-laying ceremony. Most only wanted to go on the ride though the streets of DC for the fun of it. But they missed the entire reason the ride was held. At least stop and pay your respects.

I enjoyed the ride and after I paid my respects, my buddies with whom I rode left. I had a cousin along for the ride, riding his first motorcycle. I took him on a long, winding ride through the countryside of our home county. We rode about 75 miles (120km) and had a fantastic time. Had lunch at a biker-friendly restaurant. My cousin was impressed with the ride and that his older cousin didn’t get lost 🙂 My cousin is a great guy and I am enjoying getting to know him better.

Photos that I took at previous events are here. I will post photos from this year’s Law Ride when I have a chance.

Life is short: ride and pay respect for the heroes who protect and serve.