Brooklyn Biker Group Patrols the Slope

 Via NY Daily News

Good news, Park Slope ladies! No, the attackers are still on the prowl. But now, we womenfolk can be escorted home after a late night by the Brooklyn Bike Patrol.

The bike escort service is now the third option available to solo lady walkers. New community group Safe Slope has been busy starting a Safe Walk program that pairs women with walking buddies and Safe Space which has local businesses provide shelter to anyone feeling unsafe on the street.

Jay Ruiz, creator of the Bike Patrol told the Village Voice that he and 12 volunteer bikers would be on call from 8 p.m. to midnight at High Dive on 5th ave, starting this Friday. The Brooklyn Bike Patrol will be escorting women in Park Slope and Prospect Heights, focusing mainly around 5 neighborhood subway stations.

According to the Daily News,

"It's so bad to see women getting attacked," Ruiz said. "I feel like I have to do something. We haven't yet been able to reach Safe Slope, but we did hear from Teresa Ish, the woman behind the petition to get free self-defense classes, who told us in an email "I haven't seen this, but I think it's great. You can be sure I'm adding the number to my phone (as well as the number for the ride share and walkers)."

Ruiz, who has been on patrol every day, hopes to get at least 20 volunteers to work in shifts. Yesterday, St. Francis Xavier church in Brooklyn agreed to donate 25 t-shirts to the bike patrol which will make identification easier.

Those looking for a Bike Patrol escort can reach Ruiz at: (718) 744-7592 or email him at rocket55j@aol.com.