Pedal Power Helps Save the Bay

The folks in this photograph are helping Save the Bay.

How? By participating in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s (CBF) Cyclist for the Bay program -- which among other things provides opportunities for exhilarating rides like this one last Saturday on the Mount Vernon Trail, a scenic bike path that winds through Northern Virginia along the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.

Cyclists for the Bay are recreational bicyclists who not only enjoy the fresh air and healthful benefits of a nice ride; they also understand that restoring the Chesapeake Bay requires reducing air pollution.

Did you know that as much as a third of the harmful nitrogen pollution entering the Bay comes from the air, including vehicle exhaust? Cyclists for the Bay “get” that, which is why they’ve taken a pledge to:

• Use their bicycles instead of cars whenever possible to reduce the harmful effects of vehicle emissions.
• Ride their bikes to work at least one day a week if circumstances permit.
• Do what they can to promote cycling as an environmentally friendly means of transportation.
• Spread the word about the harmful effects of vehicle exhaust on the Bay.
• Encourage other cyclists to join the fight to protect and restore our waterways, wetlands, forests, and farms.
• Speak out for decisive action to save the Chesapeake Bay.
• Be an active participant in CBF’s Action Network of online advocates.

Becoming a Cyclist for the Bay is easy and free. You just sign up. Once you do, you receive a pledge card; a free water bottle for your bike; two Cyclist for the Bay stickers to display your support for the Chesapeake; access to an online source for Bay-area cycling news with links to biking clubs, forums, and rides; and discounts on merchandise from CBF’s online store.

Members also enjoy getting together for periodic rides that CBF hosts or partners to sponsor with other cycling groups. The photos here are from last weekend’s Mount Vernon Trail ride from Roosevelt Island to Old Town Alexandria, Va., and back. Led by CBF Virginia Grassroots Coordinator Jess Barton, the ride attracted cyclists from Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

The day’s pedal kicked off with a brief bike clinic to check tire pressure and other basic maintenance, and included a mid-way stop in Old Town for coffee, snacks, and friendly conversation. Much of the talk focused on the Chesapeake Clean Water Act in Congress, and riders took a few moments to write notes or sign postcards to their congressional representatives urging support of the legislation.

The riders also were joined by Kevin Trotta, New York team captain for Global Sports Alliance (GSA), an international nonprofit coalition of sports and outdoor recreation enthusiasts working together for environmental awareness and action. GSA New York also signed on to show support for the Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Act legislation. The group already is a member of the No Child Left Inside Coalition that CBF leads to promote environmental education.

Kevin brought along GSA’s “ecoflag” to represent GSA’s commitment to the earth. The ecoflag is recognized by the United Nations Environment Program as a symbol of environmental stewardship in sports.

If any of this gets you jazzed and makes you wish you’d been a part of last Saturday’s ride, don’t despair. Become a Cyclist for the Bay today and sign up for the next ride, the Tour de Chesapeake May 14-16 in Mathews, Va. It promises to be a weekend of great bike riding, music, and water activities that embrace the scenic beauty and precious ecology of the Bay.

Bet you didn’t know Saving the Bay could be so much fun.

By Chuck Epes

Comments

[Caro]

Kudos to you! I hadn't thguhot of that!