The first Promise Zone Bike Ride followed a 5-mile path through some of Milwaukee’s historical and industrial areas on June 17, connecting residents and launching the programs efforts to affect positive change.
The ride partnership was comprised of the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation (NWSCDC), Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Khalif Rainey, Black Girls Do Bike, the Wisconsin Bike Federation and Bublr Bikes.
“Bublr provided us with a lot of bikes, and the event was a great way to experience these neighborhoods,” said Alderman Khalif J. Rainey. “We were cheered on by many people as they saw us ride by. So not only did we get a little bit of exercise, but it also demonstrated support of community and a bit of unity. All of us coming together for a wholesome bike ride.”
A series of city resource fairs in the four Promise Zones around Milwaukee have helped to bring hundreds of residents help with key life management issues, including child support, driver’s license recovery, job training, employment, health screenings and expungement counseling.
“They say Milwaukee is a city of neighborhoods. One of the things about doing a bike ride like this is that we really get to see and feel the different textures of our neighborhoods throughout the city,” said Ashanti Hamilton, President of the Common Council. “So that’s one of the things we wanted to kick off with for the Promise Zone initiative. We want to be able to do these types of events in those neighborhoods to let the residents know what’s happening.”
These images follow the event route as riders went through the heart of different neighborhoods for a day of exercise and community spirit.
