The amazing energy from our last Green Fondo ride is still carrying us forward, and it’s not just the endorphins talking. It’s the incredible, tangible proof that these rides are a force for change. We often hear about the doom and gloom, the seemingly insurmountable challenge of the climate crisis. But we’re here to tell you, the solutions are out there, the passion is here, and action is happening right now, on the ground, in our communities. We just need to pedal harder to get up and over this hump!
And that’s exactly what Climate Riders do.
Every pedal stroke, every dollar raised, is a direct investment in a better, more sustainable future. We would like to give a massive shout-out to everyone who rode, donated, and cheered us on. You are the mitochondria of this movement. We granted $244,000 from just this one weekend ride – a testament to your pedal power.
Today, we want to celebrate four incredible non-profits that are on the front lines of climate action. These are the organizations that received the largest grants from our Green Fondo, and we want to highlight the hard, essential work they do to help us reach a greener tomorrow.
Bike Santa Cruz County: Riding Towards a Greener Future
First up, let’s give a huge round of applause to the team that rode for Bike Santa Cruz County, headed up by Stephen Svete! These folks are true champions of people-powered transportation. They are working tirelessly to make Santa Cruz County a place where everyone can safely and easily choose to get around by bike.
From advocating for safe routes to schools to fostering awesome programs like the Earn a Bike program, they are making it easier than ever to leave the car at home. Their work on the Rail Trail project is a game-changer, creating a safe and scenic corridor for cyclists and pedestrians. When we make our communities more bike-friendly, we’re not just reducing carbon emissions – we’re creating healthier, more connected, and more vibrant places to live. If you live in or visit Santa Cruz, get out on those trails!
Bike East Bay: Decades of Dedication to People-Powered Progress
Next, let’s hear it for the amazing crew that rode for and supported Bike East Bay led by Elka Lee-Shapiro! This is a veteran organization of the bike advocacy world, fighting for cyclists’ rights in the East Bay since 1972. That’s over 50 years of pushing for progress, and they are not slowing down.
Bike East Bay has a long list of victories, from securing bike access on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge to winning protected bike lanes in cities like Oakland and Berkeley. They are the reason you see more and more people choosing to bike in the East Bay. Their recent “incremental victories” show that no change is too small, from getting better bike lane markings in Concord to ensuring new developments are bike-friendly. The team that rode for them is carrying on a legacy of change-making, and we are so proud to support them.
Climate One: Powering the Conversation for a Livable Future
A huge congratulations to the riders who supported Climate One under Greg Dalton! This is a different kind of organization from the last two, but one that is absolutely essential in our movement for a stable climate. Climate One is a public forum and podcast that brings together leaders from every part of society – from scientists and CEOs to activists and politicians – for honest conversations about climate change.
In a world of polarization and misinformation, Climate One is creating a space for dialogue and understanding. They are tackling the big, complex issues, from the future of electric vehicles to the real costs of climate change on our economy. By elevating the conversation and getting everyone at the table, they are helping us find the common ground and the collective will to act. Their work is a powerful reminder that we are all in this together.
Poder & Bicis Del Pueblo: Building Community Power on Two Wheels
Finally, let’s get loud for team Bicis del Pueblo, with Jessie Fernandez as captain! This is what environmental justice looks like in action. They rode for Poder, a grassroots organization that builds power for low-income, immigrant communities in San Francisco, and their Bicis del Pueblo program is a perfect example of their holistic approach.
They aren’t just about bikes – they use bikes as a tool for self-determination and wider action. Bicis Del Pueblo is a community bike co-op that provides affordable bikes, hands-on mechanic training, and youth leadership programs. They are putting clean, affordable transportation directly into the hands of the community. In a recent victory, their organizing has been pivotal in shaping the city’s “Biking and Rolling Plan”, working to make neighborhood streets safer for working-class families and children who walk and bike every day and advocating for affordability.
By empowering residents with tools and skills, Poder is tackling climate change, mobility justice, and community health all at once. They prove that the climate movement must be led by and for the people most impacted by environmental racism and injustice. We are so inspired by their work!
Remember, the Power to Fight Climate Change Is in Your Hands (and Your Wallet!)
Seeing the passion of these teams and the incredible work these organizations are doing fills us with so much hope. Solutions to the climate crisis are all around us. We have the technology, we have the ingenuity, and we have the people. What we need now is to fund the movement.
If you are concerned about a healthy planet for you and future generations, and if you want to be part of the solution, we urge you to find a local non-profit that is working on these issues and give them your support. Whether it’s a bike coalition, a climate advocacy group, or a community garden, your donation can make a world of difference.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Let’s keep funding the front lines. And let’s keep riding, and working, and fighting for the future we know is possible.
