The transportation management associations (TMAs) serving central New Jersey have teamed up to support local food banks with You Ride – We Give, in recognition of National Bike Month.
Greater Mercer TMA (Mercer and Ocean), Keep Middlesex Moving, Inc. (Middlesex), and RideWise (Somerset) are challenging bicyclists to pledge to ride at least once during the month of May. In return, the TMAs will make a donation to food banks in their counties.
The League of American Bicyclists came up with May is National Bike Month in 1956. It’s a way to encourage safe bicycling for work, pleasure, and health. In response to social distancing measures, the TMAs will not be hosting any in-person events and instead will celebrate Bike Month with a virtual challenge.
Cheryl Kastrenakes, Executive Director of Greater Mercer TMA, said, “Usually in May, we host our Bike to Work and Bike to Food and Friends Challenge. This year, we’re focusing on the ride not the destination. Biking is such a great way to get some exercise and feel mentally refreshed. We’re asking bicyclists to pledge to ride at least once during May. For every pledge, GMTMA will donate to Mercer Street Friends, Rise, and The B.E.A.T. Center.”
The ride can be around town, up and down a driveway, teaching a child to ride, or even a ride on a stationary bike. However you choose to ride, please remember to social distance. Bicyclists can pledge to ride at https://bit.ly/vbmgmtma. Photos or stories about the ride or why you like to bike will also result in a donation to Mercer Street Friends and NJ Rise. Those who pledge to bike will receive a welcome email and a weekly theme, safety tips and encouragement.
At the conclusion of Bike Month, the TMAs will host a virtual Bike Rally on Zoom to which all participants will be invited. More details about the event can be found at gmtma.org and on social media at https://www.instagram.com/greatermercertma/ and https://www.facebook.com/gmtma/
Submitted by Greater Mercer TMA
