Upwards of 1,000 Cyclists Rally and Ride in New York to Memorialize Alex Pretti as Part of Worldwide Day of Action With 200+ Rides Across 42 States and 13 Countries
Alex Pretti, a member of the Minneapolis cycling community, was killed by immigration enforcement.
NEW YORK — Upwards of 1,000 cyclists, activists, and community members gathered at Foley Square today at 2:00 p.m. for a memorial rally and solidarity ride honoring the life of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis-based ICU nurse and member of the cycling community who was killed by immigration enforcement agents on January 24.
The rally was organized by a coalition of cycling and activist organizations, including NYC Bike + Brew, the New York City Bike Messenger Association, Hands Off NYC, and Transportation Alternatives. Speakers reflected on Pretti’s life, the role of mutual care within cycling communities, and growing concerns over immigration enforcement actions in public space.
The New York event was part of a worldwide day of remembrance and action, with more than 200 solidarity rides taking place across 42 U.S. states and 13 countries following a call from the Minneapolis-based Angry Catfish Bicycle Shop, a community hub where Pretti was a regular.
“Alex was one of us, someone who navigated the world with care, compassion, and a strong sense of community,” said Shawn Garcia, Director of Advocacy at Transportation Alternatives. “No one should be afraid simply to move through their city, yet immigrants are increasingly being targeted on our streets. Today, we ride alongside dozens of coalition partners to honor Alex’s life and to demand streets that protect every New Yorker, regardless of who they are.”
At approximately 2:30 p.m., the crowd rolled out on a bike ride that transitioned into a march through Lower Manhattan, celebrating Pretti’s life and highlighting broader concerns over federal immigration enforcement actions that have sparked protests nationwide.
“After Alex Pretti was killed, his bike shop’s simple call to ride in remembrance became over 250 rides in 13 countries and 42 states. As cyclists, we know safety doesn’t come from isolation but from showing up for each other and using our visibility and voices to protect those who are pushed out of sight," said Stacey Eliuk, Organizer at NYC Bike and Brew. "That instinct to protect one another is why we ride together — because we’re all we got.”
These rides were coordinated in response to a call from Angry Catfish Bicycle Shop. In this Minneapolis community hub, Pretti was a regular, which helped spur this global movement of memorial rides and advocacy actions.
