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citymaus

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The Power of Taking Up Space: Marshawn Lynch's Oakland Rideout
At Beastmode's community bike ride, I witnessed Oakland living its best life in the streets.
www.kqed.org

”Oakland Rideout is just that: a bike ride. It's not a protest, or a demonstration. But in a year when people of color have had the police called on them for BBQing, selling water, being a firefighter, checking out of an Airbnb, sleeping in their own dorm—the list goes on—simply taking up space and celebrating together is an act of liberation in itself.

And yeah, there were big names involved. Along with Marshawn Lynch, the ride involved a handful of pro BMX riders, SE Bikes, and even a business sponsor (Lime, which manages those green bikes around town).

But really, the ride was about the young people.

“All shades of black, brown and white people were in motion through East Oakland—mostly boys and men, but plenty of women scattered in the pack too. All ages, too: I saw some artists who are OGs in the graffiti world, and cheered on the push of an elementary-aged kid as he rode a bike that looked like its training wheels had just been taken off.

These mobile sound systems blasted well-known hits from local artists... and the people on the streets couldn’t help but watch in amazement. The young black sister on the corner with the short skirt and tall heels who smiled as we passed. The older Latino brother in the 10-gallon hat who waved as he stepped outside of the Iglesia. The little Filipino kids on their apartment stairs who pointed in awe as the fleet flew by.

This procession might sound chaotic, but it wasn't. The professional BMX riders and others working the event paused at each intersection to make sure traffic didn’t cross our path. They were also vocal toward the cyclists, demanding we all stay to the right, so as to not block oncoming traffic.

“Marshawn and Josh, the sponsors and the BMX riders—they weren’t organizing a protest. They weren’t politicizing the people of Oakland. They were just giving folks a chance to get out, exist in public, and claim their space. That's worth a lot these days.”

read more: kqed, 19.06.18.  more photos: 24.06.18.

#oakland#bike rides#bmx#east bay#cycling#bikes#public space
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