Photo: Franklin Township Police Department

A contingent of 18 bicyclists from the Franklin Township Police Department will join about 1,200 others May 10 as they leave the township police headquarters for a three-day ride to raise money for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The ride, called the Police Unity Tour, will wind through Pennsylvania and Maryland before ending at the monument on May 13.

The Franklin delegation is seeking contributions to help defray the costs of the 240-mile ride. Each of the riders must contribute $1,850, according to a release about the ride.

“The primary purpose of the Police Unity Tour is to raise awareness about police officers that have died in the line of duty and support the families who have lost a loved one,” according to the release. Since its inception, the tour has raised more than $10 million for the memorial.

The Franklin team is comprised of police officers and support personnel, according to the release.

Contributions made payable to “Team Franklin” can be sent to Franklin Township Police Dept., c/o Darrin J. Russo, 495 DeMott Lane, Somerset NJ 08873.

The Police Unity Tour, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization.