I’m excited to share that in May, I will be biking from my home of Boston to Montréal, Québec, and I need your help raising $1,900 before then!

Bos/tréal (as it is lovingly called) is an annual fundraising ride organized by the Boston Cyclists Union. Supporting me in this journey will ultimately go towards the BCUs mission to expand cycling accessibility and safety throughout the Boston area.

Why I support this cause (and you should too!)

Like many in the Boston area, I started cycling as a way to commute. For the past 5 years, it’s been my main mode of transportation to and from school, work, and Taekwondo. 

Unfortunately, cycling accidents occur frequently. Cambridge, for example, is one of the safest cities in the country to bike, yet it can still be very dangerous. Nearly every close friend of mine who bikes regularly has been in an accident, some of them serious. I’ve had numerous close calls as well. Not too long ago, a graduate student at MIT was tragically killed in an intersection where many students ride on a daily basis.

The BCU is committed to Vision Zero, which aims to end traffic fatalities for everyone trying to get from point A to point B. Many of the policies the BCU has advocated for have noticeably improved the security of my commutes over the years.

In addition to bike safety, I want to help provide the resources needed to educate more people on cycling, as the BCU has done for many years. This has included helping me and others prepare for such a daunting trek and empower us to continue biking recreationally in the future!

Incentives :D

- $10+ donation: “Newsletter” access where I’ll send updates on training and photos and from the ride itself (please share your email with me!)

- $50+: A touristy trinket of choice from Montreal (think keychain, snowglobe, etc…)

- $100+: Handmade cross-stitch hoop designed personally for you!

Also, the BCU is a non-profit (501(c)3), meaning your donation is tax deductible!

FAQ:

Why should I support the BCU if I don’t live in Boston?

Well…safer infrastructure in Boston helps keep me and my friends safe :)

But additionally, since the Boston area is one of the national leaders in cycling infrastructure, it is important to set an example. I’d like to believe that safer cycling here will lead to safer cycling across the US!

Why bike anyways if it’s so dangerous?

Biking, like driving, involves risks. Personally, I love riding my bike because it helps me connect with the outdoors, provides great exercise, and helps make the world a little more sustainable!  If you disagree, consider donating to my “buy a car” fund instead :))