Hurricanes Katrina and Rita displaced hundreds of thousands of families. These families are now struggling with transportation issues in their new surroundings. More than 130,000 lost their homes in New Orleans alone. Bicycles can provide excellent mobility at super low costs. Bicycles can also provide the independence people will need to help rebuild their lives.
The “PEPY Hurricane Relief Ride,” will happen May 23rd - May 30th. The ride is raising money to be donated to the YMCA of Greater New Orleans. The ride is also meant for riders to learn about the impact of the hurricanes on the environment.
The ride starts in Vinton, La., taking the Creole Nature Trail south, then following the coast up to Abbeville. These areas were some of the hardest hit by Rita, and only recently have many of the residents here been allowed home. The riders then cycle to Franklin, Monroe City, Houma and up to New Orleans.
There are still spaces for a few more riders to join in. Interested? E-mail ymcaride@pepyride.org and see www.pepyride.org/hurricane.html for more info. These same organizers have just finished a ride across Cambodia to raise money to build a school (with a large Bikes Not Bombs logo emblazoned across their jerseys) and may be planning more rides. More info at www.pepyride.org.