Trek released a statement about its "commitment to a better future" following the use of its bikes by U.S. police during the "Black Lives Matter" protests, but members of the Trek Women's Advocates Group have called the company's response "lip service "There has been ongoing criticism of the company's response to the issue, including calling it "lip service.

On Wednesday, the U.S. bicycle manufacturer outlined several initiatives and funding to increase jobs in the cycling industry for people of color, open stores in underserved areas, and create a more inclusive culture at the company.

The move, while "abhorrent" to how U.S. police have used the company's bikes, does not extend to Fuji Bike's actions last week. Fuji's U.S. distributor, BikeCo. announced Saturday that it would stop selling bikes to police departments in the country.

One member of the company's Trek Women's Advocates (who requested anonymity) said Trek's response was "way off the mark."

"I am disappointed to say the least," she wrote in a message sent to Cycling News. While the statement of intent on diversifying the industry is well meaning and some of the steps they promised will make a difference in the long run, it misses the mark in that it does not take a tougher stance against law enforcement agencies whose police officers abuse their positions and use their bikes as weapons."

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"The paragraph they shared with us basically states that they believe bikes should not be used this way, or hope they won't be, but fails to mention the fact that they are being used. It's all lip service."

Earlier this week, eight members of the Trek Women's Advocates Group, which counts more than 100 members worldwide, wrote an open letter to Trek's leadership, asking the company to "completely divest from police departments nationwide" and "immediately terminate the contract."

The open letter, published by Forbes (opens in new tab), states, "Public posturing alone is not enough. We need immediate action to make cycling more welcoming for people of color." Representation matters. The majority of Trek's leadership is white. We have zero non-white professional athletes on our team. This is neither a mistake nor an oversight; it is a product of a culture that has overworked and violently oppressed people of color for centuries."

Trek's pledge, announced Wednesday, includes investing $2.5 million over 10 years to establish a new retail management and bicycle mechanic training scholarship program for 1,000 people of color, and a $1 million community investment fund to support entrepreneurs of color

The measure, which also includes a $5 million investment over three years to build bike stores in underserved neighborhoods, was denounced as "laughable" by members of Trek Women's Advocates.

"Going back to the public statement, some of the steps they outlined are really just to open more Trek stores and sell more bikes," she told Cycling News.

"And they talk about expanding into underserved areas, but the reality is that people living in these areas can hardly afford a bike. It's laughable.

Cycling News has reached out to Trek for comment.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article omitted the fact that the open letter sent to Trek management was signed by eight members of the Trek Women's Advocacy Group, which counts over 100 members.

Cycling News was contacted by three other members of the Trek Women's Advocates to clarify the above details, adding that the open letter was not endorsed by the majority of members.

These funds have been established to support protesters, families of victims, and black businesses and charities in the U.S. and abroad. If you are able, please consider making a recurring donation to one of the following organizations to provide sustained support beyond this moment.

Campaign Zero - Launched by Black Lives Matter activists, Campaign Zero is a national organization that works with lawmakers at all levels to end police brutality and systemic racism through thoroughly researched policy solutions

Reclamation.

Reclaim the Block - Founded in 2015, this group organizes local Minneapolis communities and city councils to redirect funds from police departments to other initiatives that promote health and safety.

Black Lives Matter Resources - The linked Black Lives Matter website includes a comprehensive list of donors: victims, protesters, black businesses, legal defense fund, supporting the black community and the "Black Lives Matter" movement fundraisers large and small, etc.

The Marshall Project - non-profit journalism." Aims to create and maintain a national sense of urgency about the U.S. criminal justice system."

NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund - One of America's largest legal organizations fighting for racial justice. It focuses on litigation, education, and advocacy.

Bail Bonds - a list of places to donate if you want to contribute to the bail bonds of arrested protesters in Minneapolis, Atlanta, New York, and many other cities; with ActBlue, you can easily split your donation among many funds, but be aware that the organization charges its own transaction fees

Last week's events.

Coming to terms with the events of the past week has not been easy. Violence and anger are sometimes almost incomprehensible. As we all struggle to understand how to cope and how we can make a difference, we have found several videos, books, and articles that can be helpful. We have tried to combine materials that provide context and broaden understanding.

7 Virtual Mental Health Resources Supporting Black People Now - For readers in need of emotional support, writer Jesse Sparks has compiled a list of virtual mental health resources serving the black community, Black See also Girls Smile's list of resources.

Bad Form Review's Reading List - books on institutional racism in the US, the Black Lives Matter movement, social justice, etc., and links to independent bookstores.

For White Friends Who Want to Be Allies - Courtney Ariel's article is a great outline for white people who want to help elevate others without inadvertently talking about themselves.

Anti-Racism Resources for White People - A comprehensive list of anti-racism media, including movies to watch, essays to read, and people to follow to further educate yourself.

The Case for Reparations - An in-depth reporting article by Ta-Nehisi Coates that uses personal stories to illustrate the damage caused by centuries of racist government policies.

What does the demand to "fund the police" mean? What about "abolish prisons?"

You probably won't hear mainstream politicians discussing these ideas, but you may see them on protest signs. If these demands are new to you, abolitionist @jaybeware explains them briefly in a Twitter thread and provides links to books and essays that expand on the topic. See also Angela Davis's book, "Are Prisons Obsolete?"

If you plan to participate in a physical protest, here are some helpful links to make sure you have everything you need to stay safe. What to Bring to a Peaceful Protest - A Guide to What to Bring to a Protest by Vice.

Protect your protest - A detailed plan for keeping yourself and others safe during a protest.

How to Cop-Proof Your Phone Before Heading to a Protest - A how-to on protecting your cell phone data by Gizmodo.

ACLU Know your rights - Everything you need to know about your rights as a protester and what to do if you are detained by police.

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