Laura DeBenedetto Prepares for the Inaugural Climate Ride Northeast-Bar Harbor to Boston

Laura DeBenedetto, 26, commutes by bicycle every day from her home in Somerville to her office in Boston, even during this past winter’s record breaking snow storms. After spending years navigating the busy city streets in inclement weather, DeBenedetto is committed to bike advocacy and works to make the city’s streets safe for cyclists. One way she does this is by participating in Climate Ride events. In September, she will participate in the inaugural Climate Ride Northeast-Bar Harbor to Boston, cruising 320 miles down the scenic coast of New England.

“What I love most about Climate Ride is that it’s five days where your only job is to get to point B. You get to travel incredible these backroads that you probably would not see in a car,” says DeBenedetto.

DeBenedetto will be among up to 200 participants who will ride to raise $400,000 to support more than 100 regional and national nonprofits. Helping to create the next generation of citizen-philanthropists for the environment through education and sport, Climate Ride participants have the power to direct grants to a pool of regional and national nonprofits.

Climate Ride was the first bike-a-thon to support environmental causes and cycling advocacy, not only by raising money but also through advocating for government change and educating participants as part of the experience. It was the first adventure travel nonprofit to raise funds for environmental causes and awareness about the importance of bike safety and advocacy, thus making the connection that an increase in active transportation will reduce carbon emissions that plague the environment. In the last seven years, Climate Ride has raised and granted $2.28 million.

A Climate Ride veteran, DeBenedetto has participated in two past events as a member of the Boston Cyclists Union team. DeBenedetto was hooked after completing her first long distance cycling event, the 2013 Climate Ride NYC to DC. She returned to the NYC to DC event the following year and is excited to try her hand at a new route that travels through some of her favorite parts of New England.

This year, she will ride to raise money for two organizations: the Boston Cyclists Union, which brings together cyclists in the Boston area and advocates for better bicycle infrastructure and policy, and Bikes Not Bombs, a non-profit that refurbishes bicycles and re-sells them at a discounted rate. Bikes Not Bombs’ mission is to use bicycles as a vehicle for social change by promoting sustainable transportation. By hosting fun events such as pancake breakfasts and beer Friday, DeBenedetto hopes to raise $2,800 for her designated beneficiaries.

Climate Ride Northeast-Bar Harbor to Boston is one of three charitable multi-day rides hosted by Climate Ride: Climate Ride Northeast, Climate Ride California, and Climate Ride Midwest. The organization hosts Climate Hikes in Glacier National Park and Bryce-Zion and a DIY program: Independent Challenges. For more information about the inaugural Climate Ride Northeast-Bar Harbor to Boston, please see the 2015 Fact Sheet below.

To register to ride or to support a cyclist or team, visit www.climateride.org or call 406-552-0708. Participants can enter the discount code climateride2015 for $25 off their registration fee.