People Powered Media and S.A.F.E. is the "Clean Ride Crew"!
Have you ever been riding down your favorite bike path and thought, "Wow, this lane really needs some TLC!" These lanes are not just for us but for the whole community. They are vital to our infrastructure, promoting health, reducing traffic, and connecting neighborhoods. Sometimes, trash, debris, and overgrown weeds block our bike lanes, and we ride by, hoping the city will address them. But why wait when we can take action ourselves?
Sam-Omar Hall is the founder of People Powered Media, which is on a mission to organize volunteer-led cleanups all around the city. The Clean Ride Crew gathers every month and tackles a bike lane.
The Clean Ride Crew is a joint effort with S.A.F.E, a non-profit organization that aims to eliminate traffic-caused fatalities through education, community outreach, and legislation. This specific stretch of road is a route where S.A.F.E. will be hosting the upcoming events "Finish the Run" and "Finish the Ride," making it even more important to keep it clean and safe.
Rest assured, we take safety seriously. An appointed safety officer slows traffic and alerts for oncoming cyclists. Upon their word, we all clear the way for cyclists and pedestrians using the lane. We were split into two groups and leapfrog past each other to cover more ground, ensuring everyone's safety.
We decided it would be a fun incentive to raffle some Road Runner Bags goodies for participants and offer a code for everyone who made it out to help. Below are some of our lucky winners!
The best part is that you only need to bring yourself to participate. Of course, you are welcome to bring your tools, but People Powered Media and S.A.F.E. provided brooms, gloves, pruners, and safety vests.
If you'd like to get involved, follow People Powered Media and S.A.F.E, and stay tuned for a cleanup near you! (The next event is on April 20th.) Also, remember to come by to see us at Finish The Ride on Sunday, April 7th!
Photos By Damian Kevitt, Executive Director of S.A.F.E., and Ashley Campbell-Wong of Road Runner Bags
