Did You Know?
This year’s Fifth Third Bike the Drive cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Clare McDermott
Active Transportation Alliance
773-391-7709
clare@activetrans.org
This year’s Fifth Third Bike the Drive cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
Those who donate their registration fee to Active Trans will receive limited edition t-shirt
CHICAGO, April 20, 2020 — Following the recommendations set forth by local and federal officials, the Active Transportation Alliance has made the difficult decision to cancel Fifth Third Bike the Drive, which was scheduled for May 24.
Active Trans is asking registrants to donate their registration fee back to the organization, if they are able. This donation will help to fuel Active Trans’ work fighting to improve conditions for people who walk, bike, and use public transit throughout the year.
“We know this is a huge disappointment for all those people who look forward to this annual event,” said Active Trans Executive Director Amy Rynell. “It’s a big letdown for Active Trans because we consider it the best day of the year, seeing 20,000 smiling people on bikes having full reign of Lakeshore Drive.”
As a token of appreciation, anyone who donates their registration fee will receive a limited edition t-shirt featuring Fifth Third Bike the Drive artwork to commemorate this very different year. For those choosing to donate their registration back, no further action is needed.
“As an iconic Chicago event, we are saddened that so many Fifth Third Bike the Drive fans won’t be able to kick off their summer with this great tradition. However, in the name of health and safety, we are supportive of the decision to cancel the 2020 event. As the title sponsor, we look forward gathering together again at next year’s ride very much,” said Mitch Feiger, Chairman and CEO, Fifth Third Bank (Chicago).
Active Trans is asking people to stay tuned to the Fifth Third Bike the Drive website to learn about plans for a virtual version of this year’s event.
“Like many nonprofits that have had to cancel crucial fundraising events, this comes as a major blow to our operating budget,” said Rynell. “A donation to Active Trans will serve a vital purpose — creating safer, cleaner, and more equitable transportation options in the region.”
For 35 years, Active Trans has been fighting for sustainable transportation options that serve everyone in Chicagoland. The funds generated by Fifth Third Bike the Drive support better walking and biking infrastructure, help trails get built, and sustain our push for accessible and equitable public transit.
During the pandemic, this work has been moving forward with a renewed sense of urgency. In recent weeks, Active Trans has been working to support safe commutes for essential workers, it’s rallied behind bike shops so that they could stay open as an “essential service,” and it’s been part of a campaign that successfully won operating assistance for public transit agencies in the emergency stimulus bill.
Active Trans is grateful for the support of Fifth Third Bank, and it’s continued financial commitment despite this year’s event cancellation.
For more information on refunds, as well as to donate, please visit the Fifth Third Bike the Drive website.
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About the Active Transportation Alliance
The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that advocates for walking, bicycling and public transit to create healthy, sustainable and equitable communities. The organization works to build a movement around active transportation, encourage physical activity, increase safety and build a world-class transportation network. The Active Transportation Alliance has more than 20,0000 members and supporters in the Chicago region. For more information about the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.
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