Amherst cyclist to pedal to D.C. in push for climate change

By Ben Williams Bulletin Contributing Writer

Published on July 04, 2008

On Sept. 20, 100 cyclists will depart from New York City and ride 320 miles to Washington, D.C., in an effort to bring attention and funding to the issue of global warming,

Joining them will be David Kroodsma, who grew up in Amherst and is no stranger to bicycling for the climate. Starting in 2005, Kroodsma spent two years cycling solo from California to the tip of South America, giving talks and raising awareness on climate change. He has a master's degree studying climate change from Stanford University.

The trip, dubbed "Climate Ride 2008," will travel the back roads through four states all the way to the steps of the Capitol, where there will be a celebration and rally for the riders. Kroodsma said riders will probably either drive or fly to New York and from D.C., but that the group will buy offsets for any nonbike travel.

"The answer to the problem is not not driving or flying," said Kroodsma. "We need national action to solve this problem and we need to invest in renewable energy and clean energy on a massive scale."

Riders will be raising money for two organizations, Clean Air-Cool Planet, which works developing policy to combat global climate change, and Focus the Nation, which helps to mobilize people interested in fighting against climate change. The event hopes to raise over $200,000 to support the organizations.

Kroodsma said that just as important as raising money is raising awareness of the issue, for the public and for the riders themselves.

"My ride was just a solo trip talking to as many people as I could; this is a group effort. One of the things I realized on my trip is how transformative it was for me, which is great, but we need to share it with more people. This trip is similar, we're going to have a very serious impact getting people to pay attention, but it's an opportunity for the riders to learn about the issue."

There are about 30 spots left on the ride, but they're filling up fast, and Kroodsma said he would love to have more people representing the Pioneer Valley join the ride. More information is available at www.climateride.org.

Caeli Quinn, the event's co-director, and Kroodsma both highlighted the importance of the trip for educating the riders as well as the public.

"That's the exciting part," said Kroodsma, "it's not just a fundraising bike ride, it's a climate conference on wheels."

Every night expert speakers will talk to the group. Those experts and representatives from nonprofit organizations will be on the ride, which will create an environment where all the riders can learn from one another.