I'd always bike commuted to work, but in that godawful year of 2020, amidst lockdowns and a job loss, I found biking to be a respite from the chaos. Biking led me to see cities in a radically different way, connected me with a vibrant community, and helped me to grow from an armchair observer and critic to an active participant in the built environment. 

I'm fundraising for Bikes Not Bombs' annual ride because their mission resonates —  they believe that the bicycle can be a tool for social change, self-determination, climate action, and economic mobility. 

Since their founding in 1984 they have shipped more than 80,000 bikes to partners in the global south and have provided countless bike services to underserved communities in the Boston area. 

With the funds they raise this year the org will: 

· Provide free and affordable bike repair services to underserved communities in Boston through the Chain Reaction mobile bike repair program.

· Engage over 200 people in Bike School at our Hub in Jamaica Plain and at our new Roxbury Hub at Children's Services of Roxbury;

·  Employ over 40 young people as paid Youth Apprentices who build critical workplace skills in a supportive and caring environment.

· Ship thousands of bicycles overseas to our partners in the Global South who are working to advance environmental, economic, and social justice initiatives.