Groups launch a "commute-a-thon" to encourage bike riders

SANTA CRUZ — Two local nonprofits, Project Bike Trip and Ecology Action, have teamed up to launch The Two Wheeled Drive, a new kind of bicycle challenge that is aimed at getting more people to ride their bikes to work.

Similar to the better known walk-a-thon, The Two Wheeled Drive is a commute-a-thon where the goal is to raise money to teach more kids about the benefits of bicycles. The Two Wheeled Drive lasts the month of May in conjunction with Bike Month and Bike to Work Day, which is May 10. It also supports the local Bike to Work Program, which is a program of Ecology Action.

“We are very excited about how The Two Wheeled Drive coincides perfectly with the 25th anniversary of Bike to Work Day,” stated Nick Mucha, Ecology Action program specialist. “Since each person creates their own individual challenge, it offers everyone a unique platform to increase their use of sustainable transportation. And their participation will directly benefit local youth bike projects, too.”

Residents can join the challenge by following five steps. First, create a personal bicycle commute challenge. Second, set a fundraising goal. Third, create an online campaign pledge page. Fourth, tell friends and family about the challenge and the goal. And, fifth, start the challenge.

Katie DeClercq, director of Project Bike Trip, is excited about the campaign's potential.

“We’ve already received an overwhelming amount of support from our sponsors and people that are ready to sign up,” said DeClercq. “I think it’s something that will catch on quickly, as it offers people healthier habits for themselves and for our youth.”

The Two Wheeled Drive is designed to raise awareness and funds to help combat the issues that face today’s youth: rising obesity, pollution, huge budget cuts within the school systems and high unemployment. As such, all the proceeds from this campaign will help fund three Santa Cruz-based bicycle education programs: BikeSmart (elementary school), Bike Club (middle school) and Bike Tech (high school). The Two Wheeled Drive is also a campaign to get folks to hop on their bikes more often for their daily commute.

The Two Wheeled Drive starts May 1st and ends May 31st. For more info, visit www.projectbiketrip.org.

Share on Facebook