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At 1 p.m. Tuesday, Albemarle Police Department encourages members of the public to line Main Street through Five Points in downtown Albemarle to cheer on law enforcement officers taking part in the Bike 2 DC Ride to Honor.

Cyclists are riding to Washington, D.C. in honor of fallen officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Albemarle Police Department Capt. Doug Hicks Jr. will take part in the ride.

“The Bike 2 DC Ride to Honor is not only about a love of cycling, but it’s also about a passion for the law enforcement profession,” said Hicks. “Once you get to Washington, D.C. and you see everyone from all over the country, it puts everything into perspective. Everyone is united, no matter what badge their community comes from. It’s a special way we pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Since 2007, law enforcement officers from Mecklenburg County and beyond have gathered each May to ride bicycles 500 miles over four days from Charlotte to Washington, D.C. All throughout the journey, officers and citizens from towns and cities on the route ride with the officers or line the streets to show their support.

“Seeing our communities along the streets cheering us on, smiling, waving means a lot to all of us. We carry those small moments of support with us the whole way,” said Hicks.

Before the ride, participants gather donations which support the Charlotte’s Finest Legacy Foundation, established to support youth pursuing a career in law enforcement through the aid of a college scholarship program.

“I want to thank everyone who has contributed donations and sponsorships to allow me to make this ride. It would not be possible for me to make the journey without them,” said Hicks.

At the completion of the ride, participants attend the candlelight vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.