'Cops Cycling For Survivors' Kick Off 1,000 Mile Ride

The 18th annual Cops Cycling for Survivors statewide bicycle ride kicked off this week. For 13 days, current and retired members of law enforcement will cycle nearly 1,000 miles to honor fallen officers.

Retired LaPorte County Police Department Capt. Michael Kellems says the ride is a way to get people to slow down and think about those who have died in the line of duty.

“I think that this gives us an opportunity to get in the communities in a unique way,” says Kellems.  “We’re pulling into town at 15 miles an hour. It’s a little more time for a little more exposure to the citizens.”

The ride honors more than 400 Indiana officers who died in the line of duty.  It also provides financial assistance to the officers’ families -- through foundations and scholarship funds.

Riders will make 13 stops throughout the state and wrap up at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis on July 20.