Bike Ride to Raise Money to Fight Human Trafficking March 17

Cyclists and teams will fight human trafficking with a fundraising ride starting at Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island on March 17.

Pedal Against Trafficking Humans (PATH) is a part of a local movement to reverse the trend of human traffficking and help get victims into safe environments where they can recover their lives.

The fundraiser comes as human trafficking in Bellevue recently made headlines.

Alleged brothels in indvidual apartment units throughout downtown Bellevue were recently shut down after an investigation by local and federal law enforcement. Six people, three of them from Bellevue, are accused of trafficking the women who were offering their services, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The event costs $55 to register and check in is at 7:30  a.m. March 17. All proceeds are tax deductible. Veloce Velo Bicycles of Mercer Island is a partner of the event.

Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery in which people use coercion, deception, or force in order to exploit others into performing commercial sex acts, labor, or other services, according to the group's online announcement.

For more information:

Patch Events: Pedal Against Trafficking Humans (PATH) Ride

Pedal Against Trafficking Humans: Website