Bicycle for a Day (BFAD), founded by
Matthew Modine, is a fun, open, and proactive event designed to
inspire individuals, communities, governments and corporations to
take a step towards solving the current environmental issues. BFAD's
goal is to raise awareness of the need to reduce carbon emissions and
to demonstrate many simple things that each of us can do every day to
accomplish a cleaner world. The BFAD event, 10 AM to 5 PM on
September 20th is free and open to the public. Everyone is invited to
join us at NYC's South Street Seaport to support a wonderful cause!
Just don't drive a gas powered vehicle there! Walk, skate, blade or
ride a bike to show your solidarity in improving the world we share.
Gary Kaye: So Matthew, what was the inspiration for your upcoming event, Bicycle for a Day?
Matthew Modine: I was asked a simple question, “If there was one thing I could do to improve the environment, what would I do?” “Bicycling,” was my simple reply. By choosing to ride a bike instead of driving a gas powered vehicle you can make an immediate and positive impact on the environment. When we think of the enormity of the problems of global warming, it is very difficult to think that we can do things to restore, or at least stabilize, the situation. But if we consider that one person, becoming part of a movement that would include millions of people from around the world – then the global environmental situation becomes achievable. “Bicycle for a Day” is a global effort to empower people to collectively become that positive change. And it's fun!
GK: Can you please explain why Segway was invited to participate?
MM: I wanted Segway to become part of “Bicycle for a Day” because I feel that it is one of the most progressive companies in the United States. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter said that the environmental situation, and the energy crisis that the US was experiencing, was the "moral equivalent of war." That each American had to become more conscious of the energy they consumed and to begin to use less. Carter said we had to free our country from its dependency to oil both to secure our independence from foreign oil and to protect the environment. We needed to invest in new ideas of energy and to invent new ways of transporting ourselves that are more efficient. For me, Segway represents that new way of thinking – how to get from here – and is wonderfully efficient in its use of electric energy. Like bicycling, the Segway PT is one additional way to empower yourself to have a positive impact on the environment.
GK: How about the sponsor MBT?
MM: Riding a bike is one thing that you can do to improve the environment. Walking is as well. The MBT shoe is kind of an odd miracle. I heard about them and got a pair. I have two friends that were hit by cars while walking (they had the right of way in a crosswalk), and their backs were killing them as a result. They started wearing the shoes and their backs are now fine. I am going to stop before I sound like an infomercial!
GK: What do you hope to accomplish by hosting BFAD?
MM: I want people to feel that they can be responsible and empowered by making decisions that have a simple yet powerful impact when done collectively. Bicycling is "self-propulsion." That's beautiful. Helping yourself to help others.
GK: What is your vision for the future of urban transportation?
MM: I love traveling to Europe . Europeans seem to really understand public transportation - how to make it work and make it clean and beautiful. Maybe it’s because European countries don't have an aggressive industrial military complex so they can afford to invest in their countries’ infrastructures. America was made powerful by trains. Every major city had a trolley system in place that worked to efficiently transport people. The automobile changed that. I think we are going to see incredible new electric powered vehicles. Things like the Segway will become more of an everyday site because of its efficiency and ease of travel. And the bicycle will become common place.
GK: The green movement is overwhelming for many, as it’s a shift in the way we live our lives. What small steps can you suggest for helping to create a greener earth?
MM: Remember to turn the lights off when you leave a room. It's amazing how often we don't. Get the buildings you live and work in to put motion detector sensitive on/off switches in stairwells and bathrooms. Our homes and offices are the biggest consumers of energy in our country. Look at the simple, small steps. Each journey begins with those baby steps. Start making them!
GK: For someone who has never considered alternate forms of transportation, do you have any advice on how to begin?
MM: I recommend you look at the BFAD sponsors and leaders in the green transportation space – a good place to start is the website www.bicycleforaday.org.
GK: What is in the future for BFAD?
MM: “Bicycle for a Day” is a global initiative. I hope that the “Bicycle for a Day” logo will become the image for the environmental movement. The 'Peace' sign was the symbol of solidarity for a generation. The 'Bicycle for a Day' icon will become a symbol of environmental solidarity for a new generation.
GK: For people outside of NYC or those unable to attend the event, what would you tell them about it and how can they still participate?
MM: Ride a bike. Get a group of your friends and choose not to use gas powered vehicles on Sept. 20th. Make a decision that you are going to be more conscious of what we often take for granted – our energy consumption. How much water we are using? What can I do to have a positive impact on future generations? Plant a tree! Little things make all the difference.
GK: Thank you, Matthew. We look forward to seeing you next week in NYC and wish you best of luck with “Bicycle for a Day”!
Gary M. Kaye is the publisher of Zero Energy News.
Has anyone heard of RYN shoes that are really popular in Europe right now? http://www.rynshoes.co.uk … They look similar to MBTs but claim to have better stability and energy return. Plus as I can see a lot more style! What I really like about RYN is that they have a wide selection of sport high models with an air cushion for people like me who are looking for ultra workout & toning results. Does anyone know where I can buy RYN shoes in the United States?
Posted by: Sonia | September 20, 2008 at 05:20 PM