Equity Ride set for August 26

What do trees and bicycles have to do with equity?

Trees help all people equally. But first the trees need to be planted in all neighborhoods equally.

That’s one reason Friends of Trees is partnering with ODOT and Metro to plant trees along the I-205 multi-use path, which crosses culturally and economically diverse neighborhoods.

Cycling helps all people equally, too. But first people of all backgrounds need access to the resources and support to become cyclists.

That’s one reason for the Equity Ride. The other is to have fun and meet new friends.

On August 26, Friends of Trees, ODOT, Community Cycling Center, Bicyclists of Color, East Portland Action Plan, Audubon Society of Oregon, and the City of Portland Transportation Options will lead cyclists through neighborhood streets and along the I-205 multi-use path.

The ride begins at 6:30 p.m. at Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), 10301 NE Glisan St., where IRCO staff will describe their work with the Community Cycling Center, PBOT and Willamette Pedestrian Coalition to engage people in cycling.

Stops along the route will help cyclists learn about other equity efforts being undertaken by the organizations listed above, who are collaborating to co-sponsor the event.

Then Friends of Trees Green Space Manager Logan Lauvray will guide the cyclists to a nearby stretch of the I-205 multi-use path followed by a brief rest at one of the sites where Friends of Trees planted trees this year. Another stretch of the multi-use path will lead the cyclists back to IRCO.

The ride is 6.1 miles long and sure to be fun and educational. Hope you’ll join us!

–TR