I'd biked to school and work since college.

But amidst lockdowns, a job loss, and huge uncertainty, I found biking to be a respite from the chaos of that godawful year 2020.

Getting more into biking got me to see cities in a radically different way, connected me to 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 the org and I share this novel belief that bicycles are tools to solve many of our world's problems -- from providing sustainable transport, to cultivating socially connected communities, to empowering self-determination. 

Since their founding in 1984 BnB 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, especially in historically disinvested communities. 

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 the new 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 partners in the Global South who are working to advance environmental, economic, and social justice initiatives. 

Any donation would mean a ton to me, personally, and help this really great org that shares my values.