About

An open letter from Bicycle for a Day
founder, Matthew Modine.


Hello!

No longer do we have to imagine a cleaner, safer, healthier world. Thanks to Bicycle for a Day, you can make it happen.

I founded Bicycle for a Day as a response to those who wanted to protect the environment, improve their personal health, and have fun with friends and family. Our mission is to help empower individuals with tools which they can use in their every day lives to make a measurable, tangible difference to our community, our environment and our personal health.

The average person loses 13 pounds their first year of commuting by bicycle and just 3 hours of cycling per week can reduce your risk of heart and stroke by 50%.

There are dozens of things each of us can do everyday that will also have an immediate, positive impact on the environment. Bicycling is one. In 1964, 50% of kids rode to school and the obesity rate was 12%... in 2004, 3% rode to school and the obesity rate was 45%.

The United States could save 462 million gallons of gasoline per year by increasing cycling from 1% to 1.5% of all trips. Each auto-commuter in the U.S. spends an average of 50 hours a year stuck in traffic. In 2003, cars stalled in traffic wasted 5 billion gallons of fuel.

At our first event last September in New York City, more than 14,000 people visited the South Street Seaport and learned more about Bicycle for a Day (BFAD) and the charities BFAD supports. Families came together, friendships were formed, and participants had a great time learning more about their city, their community, and what they can do to renew their commitment to a greener, cleaner earth.

I’m pleased to report that your involvement that day has led to some exciting developments. American Forests: Global Re-Leaf and Water Keeper Alliance volunteers were able to explain their organizations goals to thousands of BFAD visitors. As a direct result of your support, more trees will be planted by American Forests and rivers, lakes, streams and oceans will come under the protection and stewardship of River Keepers stationed around the world.

I want to personally thank all of the volunteers and sponsors that helped make the event a success. In particular, Tumi, MBT, Segway, Bloomingdale's, Puma, New York Health and Racquet Club, and Best Buy.

Thanks to all the BFAD supporters for all the time you donated to the project, NYC and CO., Kingsize, Digital Chisel, Cause Cast, Shin Advisors, Social Sage, Tar Art, Wounded Warrior Project, G Squared, Phebe's NYC, Veev, General Growth Properties, Abio Bicycles, Boot Camp Republic, B.I.K.E. the Movie, Untitled Entertainment, Mayor Bloomberg, the NY Department of Transportation and Transportation Alternatives.

And thank you to my friends. Bobby Kennedy, your inspirational talk about the environment reminded us why we gathered at the Seaport. Your talk about the work of the River Keepers and their success brought a necessary gravitas and urgency to the day's events. Lukas Haas your songs and your voice are as delicate, uplifting and beautiful as the day we were blessed with. Thank you Ben Jelen and your entire band. Your music and spirit brought energy, excitement, and youthful joy to all of us that gathered.

While 2008 was the first year of Bicycle for a Day, we have exciting events planned for the second half of 2009, so come back and visit us often. There is so much to do, so much of our planet to save, and so little time. It’s essential that each of us do our part, right now, to make a difference in our health and in the health of our human community.

So get on that bike and let’s ride together.

Matthew

“The environmental situation is a great opportunity for us all to work together to find solutions. Bicycle for a Day is just that— citizens of the world joining together globally and acting locally.”
-Matthew Modine, Founder BFAD

Buy an Official BFAD Dog Tag to demonstrate your support and solidarity for our charitable partners: Waterkeepers Alliance & American Forests.