Who can be a Police Unity Tour Member?

There are three categories of membership to this organization and all are equally important to effectively accomplish our goals and objectives. 

Riders: Open to all full time or part time law enforcement officers, whether active or retired. A retired officer is defined as an officer who has completed the mandatory years to be eligible for retirement for their department, or has been retired due to disability. All active duty officers must be in good standing and not currently under investigation. Civilians 18 years of age or older who are survivors of fallen officers.

Support: Open to all full time or part time law enforcement officers, whether active or retired. Civilians 18 years of age or older, who are employed or affiliated with law enforcement agencies and related organizations or possess specific training or skills required to safely and effectively assist the organization may apply. These requirements include, but are not limited to: dispatchers, first aid personnel, doctors, nurses, lawyers, mechanics (automobile and bicycle) and members of organizations such as Concerns of Police Survivors, Domestic Response Teams, etc.

Motor Support: Open to all Currently Police Certified Motor Officers, whether active or retired.

Chapter Capacity and the Rider Wait List

Due to the availability of lodging and also for safety considerations, it is necessary for us to set limits on the number of participants we can accept as riders, support, and motor support. If you find that we have closed our rider category, for example, but you still want to be a participate, you can choose to participate as a Support member. Support is a great way to be a part of the event and also a great way to see "what's what" for those who have not participated before. We would not be able to go ANYWHERE without our Support Teams!

However, if you feel that you only want to be a rider, then you can sign up on the Rider Wait List. We always have people drop for various reasons and wait list persons will be added in the order that they are received. You will be notified when a slot opens and activated if you still desire to participate. You can call or email us periodically to check the status of your position on the wait list. We can have as many as 30 drops per year, so don't hesitate to get a position on the list!

What are the Ride Dates?

Chapter IX's ride event dates for 2025 are May 9th - May 14th. 

Chapter IX will start its ride on May 9th and arrive in Washington, DC on May 12th. The Candlelight Vigil is May 13th, and check out from the hotel in DC is May, 14th. 

 How much does it cost to participate?

ALL RIDERS must raise a minimum of $2100.00.

ALL SUPPORT members must raise a minimum of $2100.00.

ALL Members, rider or support, are required to have $500 in sponsorship within 30 days of acceptance into the Police Unity Tour.

ALL Members, rider or support, are required to have $1000 in sponsorship by Feb. 15, 2025

ALL Members must have their full sponsorship funds in by April 1st, 2025.

ALL sponsorship money is non-transferable and non-refundable. Please do not ask if it can be transferred to another participant or another year.

Additionally, there is a $150 application fee which is non-transferable and non-refundable.

Each member must purchase the required uniform items.

PLAQUES

All MAJOR donors of $ 1000.00, or more, MUST submit their donations on company checks addressed to the Police Unity Tour. Checks cannot be made out to a group, team or person. They can also donate online, however remember that a portion of that money will be taken out for payment fees so you will receive less than $1000. The sponsor will still receive a plaque. If you want your donor to receive a plaque you MUST fill out the donor sponsor form and mail same to us. If we don't receive a form we will not order a plaque. 

No “In Kind” donations are allowed for plaque submission. Additionally, due to IRS requirements, no major donations can be submitted as “CASH”. Any donations submitted through or from a “Fundraiser”, are not considered a single donation, unless submitted as a pure donation by one individual/company which received no compensation as a result of the donations (that is they didn't give the donation as part of a purchase of a table at the event, etc.) 

What equipment do I need to participate?

All riders must have a mechanically sound and functional bicycle, helmet and eye protection. We HIGHLY suggest that the bicycle is a "road" bike, and not a mountain or hybrid type. Chapter IX has significant elevation changes in our route and riding a mountain or hybrid cycle will make the ride more difficult.

Do I have to wear something specific while participating in the Tour?

Yes, the organization has uniform requirements.

All riders must wear a PUT jersey (short or long sleeve) everyday and black riding shorts/pants. 

All support personnel must wear blue support polo shirts and black, blue, or khaki shorts or pants every day of the tour. 

How far is the route?

The mileage is approximately 270 miles. The ride will be a mixture of flat roads, hills, twisty back roads, high traffic areas, and beautiful scenic roads.

What is the pace?

You should train or be comfortable riding approximately 15 miles per hour. Hill training should be part of your preparation routine as there are a significant number of hills on our route.

Is there an airport near the send off hotel?

Yes, Philadelphia International Airport 

How do I get back from Washington, D.C. after the ride and the Candlelight Vigil is over?

You are responsible for your own return transportation arrangements. This applies both to those who will be returning home from the Memorial after the arrival ceremony and those staying in Washington, D. C. on the nights of May 12th and 13th.