Police-Free Systems are Possible
We can prevent both traffic crashes and police violence
In the East Bay, groups have been reimagining policing for decades. In response to systemic racism and police brutality, and in order to create safe, healthy, sustainable communities, we must ensure Black people can feel comfortable biking, walking, and simply existing without fear of police violence. The way forward is multifaceted and challenging, but we can influence at least two pieces of this puzzle: reinvest police budgets into community services, and remove armed police from traffic enforcement.
Traffic stops are the most common reason for individual contact with the police. From traffic stop data and testimonials within our community, we know police are more likely to stop Black people who are driving, walking, or biking. We also know that those interactions are more likely to escalate to arrest and violence. Traffic enforcement contributes to the ongoing harassment, surveillance, and trauma of our Black communities.
Grounded in Bike East Bay’s values to center needs voiced by the community, we are partnering with local leaders to identify the best path toward police-free transportation systems. Together we are tackling big questions about how to prevent both traffic crashes and police violence.
Bike East Bay spoke out early on in support of the Hayward Community Coalition’s demands to defund police. We also continue to push for road diets and protected bike lanes on high-speed streets like Huntwood Avenue and Patrick Avenue in South Hayward. Safer streets, designed in partnership with the community, reduce the need for police enforcement of speeding. Bike East Bay lends our advocacy expertise, explicitly making the connection between better street designs and reduced need for enforcement. We will continue to contribute our knowledge, working in coalition with local allies as together we call for an end to racist policing.
Recently, Berkeley’s city council became the first in the nation to move forward plans to remove police from traffic enforcement. Moving traffic enforcement out of police departments is uncharted territory in recent history, and will require reworking both local and state laws. Bike East Bay is supporting advocates at Walk Bike Berkeley, East Bay for Everyone, East Bay Community Law Center and more to de-prioritize traffic enforcement and remove it from the purview of the police altogether.
Making these changes a reality won’t be easy. Task forces are forming in Richmond, Oakland, Berkeley, and Alameda, but we have seen limited action from officials to reinvest police funding into other community services. Oakland’s task force aims to reallocate $150 million from the police budget next year. When council was recently presented with two preliminary options for the current fiscal year — cutting the Oakland police budget by $1 million or $11 million — both options were voted down. Challenges ahead only underscore the importance of this work.
From removing policing in traffic enforcement to moving valuable funding into community services, elected officials across the East Bay are reimagining safety in our neighborhoods. Join us as we work toward safe, healthy, and sustainable communities for everyone.
Connect with East Bay leaders today
Regional Ella Baker Center for Human Rights | Oakland Anti Police-Terror Project, Black Organizing Project, Urban Peace Movement | Hayward Hayward Community Coalition, The Hayward Collective | Richmond Rich City Rides, Safe Return Project, Richmond Revolution | Berkeley Defund Berkeley PD, Walk Bike Berkeley | Alameda Transform Alameda
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