On October 2nd, I will join nine of my colleagues, and over 100 other cyclists, on what promises to be an epic cycling adventure beginning in California's historic Redwood Empire near Eureka, climbing up and down the scenic coast, and crossing the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. Climate Ride—a five day, 320 mile fundraiser—is designed to raise awareness of sustainable transportation and other solutions to fight climate change. For the first time this year, the Natural Resources Defense Council has been named a ride beneficiary. We’re delighted that we can participate in this unique, inspiring event, while raising funds to support our mission.
NRDC’s participation in Climate Ride also helps us to increase awareness of our newest priority, Fostering Sustainable Communities, in which NRDC is combining the expertise of our urban, health, open space, smart growth, energy and transportation teams to promote alternative transportation and create more just, sustainable and livable places. NRDC is leading the creation of sustainable places through our advocacy for clean transportation investments in the federal transportation bill, implementation of California’s Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act (SB 375), and our neighborhood revitalization work guided by the LEED for Neighborhood Development program, to name just a few of our priority projects.
NRDC has worked for decades to give communities less polluting transportation alternatives, especially biking, that can reduce our dependence on oil while creating more livable spaces. We’ve recently increased our capacity to work on these issues through our new Sustainable Communities initiative, and our new partnership with Climate Ride will help to make us even more effective.
To learn more about the 320 mile ride taking place on October 2-6, or to support Team NRDC, please visit our team’s website.