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Community Corner

Medford Resident Biking to DC To Go Green

A 300-mile "Climate Ride" spotlights environmental issues.

With gas prices climbing to over $4 per gallon, there is a renewed push to find alternative energy solutions. One Medford resident is hoping that her participation in the Brita Climate Ride NYC-DC, a five-day, 300-mile bicycle ride to Washington, DC, will help raise awareness and funds to address the issue.

“I’d been working for the environmental sector for a couple of years, but I wanted to do more than just educate,” said Ashley Hunt-Martorano, program director for Renewable Energy Long Island, a non-profit organization that provides education and outreach on energy efficiency and renewable energy alternatives.

Hunt-Martorano is preparing to hit the streets along with approximately 140 riders from Friday to the following Monday. The trek will begin in Manhattan and continue through Pennsylvania and Maryland before coming to a stop in Washington, DC. Along the way, expert speakers will be giving presentations to the general public in the evening. Riders must raise at least $2,400 to cover expenses as well as to raise money for research.

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“I’ve had such phenomenal support from my family and friends, and even strangers and local businesses,” Hunt-Martorano said.

The goals of the event include increasing bicycle safety and advocacy, as well as supporting “innovative and hard-working organizations” that are working on alternative energy solutions, according to Caeli Quinn, co-executive director of Climate Ride.

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“By creating a safe bicycle infrastructure, we hope to help decrease obesity and get people out of their cars,” Quinn explained. “It helps with congestion and air pollution.”

At the end of the five-day event, other cyclists can join the participating riders as they travel up Constitution Avenue toward the Capitol. Once there, the riders will be able to meet face-to-face with their US representatives.

“In 2009, more than 350 people showed up for the Capitol part,” Quinn said. “It’s a very dramatic finale.”

 Expressing her gratitude for those who’ve lent their support, Hunt-Martorano said she is looking forward to putting a spotlight on the issue of climate control.

“It’s going to be a challenge, but I know I’m not doing this alone. The harder challenge is dealing with our climate crisis,” she said.

For a complete list of guest speakers, or for more information on Climate Ride, visit www.climateride.org. Those interested in supporting Hunt-Martorano can visit her donor webpage at www.tiny.cc/ashleycares.

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