Help Support the East Coast Greenway & Bike Durham
On August 28, the East Coast Greenway Alliance is hosting a 2-day, 125-mile community ride from New York City to Philadelphia in an effort to raise money for numerous projects along the East Coast that will establish more off-road trails, making it safer and easier to commute by bike.
My dad inspired many things in my life including my appreciation for cycling. When I was a kid, I remember him going to Arizona for a 100-mile bike ride to raise money for leukemia. I thought, “what a crazy idea!” My views haven’t changed. It’s a crazy idea, even as I saddle up to attempt a similar feat.
Being a bike commuter has been a huge part of my identity for the past eight years. It started out as a necessity after my car broke down. Soon after, I discovered the many benefits of bike commuting: saving money, exercise, and connecting with my surroundings without being trapped in a giant steel box. Of course, there are challenges , and I couldn’t have committed to this lifestyle without a little help from my friends. But it’s a decision that continues to pay dividends.
Bike commuting also has been a way for me to commit to my values. Climate change looms mightily over all of us, and while one cyclist isn’t going to change much scientifically, being an avid and outspoken cyclist is where my leadership by example can be valuable. In March, I joined the board at Bike Durham to further my commitment to biking, bike infrastructure, alternative transit, and transit equity in my local community.
HERE'S WHERE I NEED YOUR HELP
Part of my obligation as a participant in the ride is a $250 registration fee along with raising at least $1200 in support of the ECGA. On top of that, there are other expenses including a $100 bike rental and other bike equipment that I’ll need during the ride for safety and to document the experience on behalf of Bike Durham and Buddy Ruski, my own multimedia company.
There are two deadlines:
- July 9: 50% fundraising payment due ($600)
- August 15: 100% fundraising payment due ($1200)
I am asking for your help in reaching this goal because I believe that improving our alternative transit systems is crucial to our health and the health of our planet, and I’m willing to do something as crazy as ride 125 miles in the heat of summer to prove it.
ABOUT THE EAST COAST GREENWAY ALLIANCE
The East Coast Greenway is a walking and biking route stretching 3,000 miles from Maine to Florida, connecting our nation’s most populated corridor. The East Coast Greenway is designed to transform the 15 states and 450 communities it connects through active and healthy lifestyles, sustainable transportation, community engagement, climate resilience, tourism, and more. The Greenway offers a safe place for bicyclists, walkers, runners, and more — of all ages and abilities — to commute, exercise, and visit new destinations.
The nonprofit East Coast Greenway Alliance leads the development of the trail network. We work with hundreds of volunteers, partner organizations, and officials at the local, state, regional and national level to continue moving more of the route onto protected paths. Together, we are connecting people to nature and communities via a safe, accessible Greenway.