If you know me – even just a little – you probably know that I do love to bike. Slow, fast, long, short, alone, with friends, for errands, for kicks, etc., etc. I do not, however, love disappearing bike lanes or potholes; absent-minded drivers or ‘live’ parking in bike lanes; reports of bike-truck crashes or sobering ghost bikes where cyclists were killed. Biking has the potential to address some of our greatest collective challenges – climate change, social isolation, transportation equity, physical and mental health, community-building, and undoubtably more – yet, as you can see, it’s up against some real challenges. 

That’s why, for the 3rd year in a row now, I am participating in the Boston Cyclists Union’s biggest annual fundraiser, Bos/treal, to support the BCU’s mission to “transform the streets of greater Boston into equitable and inviting people-centered spaces affording access and connection for every body”. Bos/treal is a multi-day bike-camping trip from Boston to Montreal (finally all the way! after a covid hiatus). ~50 of us will set out on our bikes at the end of May to bike the approximately 400 miles and camp together over 5 days to Montreal. Until then, everyone is furiously fundraising and training.

I have had the joy of helping organize this event this year and last, and I am so excited for this years’ trip. Bos/treal is comprised of people of a wide ranges of ages, cycling experience and fitness levels, types of bikes, professions, backgrounds, individual identities, and perspectives. Some riders had only commuted a long way before signing up for this and now are plugging along for 70+ miles! The can-do attitude, openness to learn, willingness to fix a flat, share a snack or ride at someone else’s pace, are the engine of this whole beautiful thing. Not only does Bos/treal raise funds for the BCU’s advocacy work, but rather it in and of itself is the work. The training season and trip itself build and strengthen a community of people who love to bike, are empowered by their own abilities on bikes, care for each other, and are dedicated to improving the opportunities and experiences for all on bikes. Please support this years’ amazing team!!!

You may directly support my fundraising efforts on this page, or donate to the whole team here.

Any amount helps, however if you are not able or inclined to lend support financially, here are some other ways you can help the cause:

• Ride a bike, if you are able
• Encourage others to bike
• Vote for elected officials who keep bikes in mind when making decisions where you live
• Watch for bikes when you are driving, parking, opening your car door
• Help teach a child in your life to ride a bike
• Accompany a friend to test out a new bike commute route