FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Clare McDermott
Active Transportation Alliance
773-391-7709
[email protected]
This year’s Fifth Third Bike the Drive goes virtual!
Participants will enjoy Laugh the Drive — a comedy set featuring Chicago-based comedians plus other bike-themed perks
CHICAGO, IL, May 20, 2020 — After making the decision to cancel Fifth Third Bike the Drive because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Active Transportation Alliance knew many Chicagoans would still be craving a taste of this iconic event on Memorial Day Weekend. To help satisfy this craving and to support the organization’s advocacy work in improving walking, biking, and transit in the region, we’ve created a Virtual Fifth Third Bike the Drive.
Active Trans is asking supporters to donate $20 or more and, in exchange, will receive access to the Virtual event taking place on Sunday, May 24 at 10 a.m.
During the hour-long program, participants will be treated to “Laugh the Drive,” a comedy set featuring Jake Noll and Marz Timms.
- Noll is a Chicago-based comedian and is a regular at the Laugh Factory and an understudy at Second City’s e.t.c. Theater.
- Timms is also a Chicago-based comedian who has served as the Chicago Bulls in-arena host, made appearances on the Netflix original series, Easy, and tours both locally and internationally.
In addition to Laugh the Drive, participants will also have a chance to try their hand at bike-themed trivia, get a print-at-home participation certificate, and hear from Active Trans’ brand-new Executive Director, Amy Rynell.
“While nothing can replace the experience of riding Lakeshore Drive, we are thrilled to hold our first-ever Virtual Fifth Third Bike the Drive,” said Rynell. “Donations raised through this event will help to fuel Active Trans’ work fighting to improve conditions for people who walk, bike, and use public transit throughout the year.”
Those who will be missing the beer garden at Fifth Third Bike the Drive can still enjoy a few beers while participating in the virtual event. Active Trans’ sponsor, Revolution Brewing is selling a party pack featuring Ghost Ride, their bike-inspired Kolsch-style ale, plus sweet Rev Brew and Active Trans swag. Curb-side pickup is available and the party packs can be purchased online.
“As an iconic Chicago event, we are thrilled this event will continue virtually and Chicagoans can still kick off their biking season on Memorial Day weekend, albeit a little differently,” said Mitch Feiger, Chairman and CEO, Fifth Third Bank (Chicago). “As the title sponsor, we look forward gathering together again at next year’s ride.”
Those who are interested in participating Virtual Fifth Third Bike the Drive can visit http://go.pardot.com/e/213232/givingday/d1p42/248589331?h=4CHYkG1iC-X9cNVB87yZGl6mbXb9v0wTWno4lpMKvhk to make the $20 donation and will be emailed the link to the event.
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 its continued financial commitment despite this year’s event cancelation.
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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.
About Fifth Third
Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, National Association, a federally chartered institution. As of March 31, 2020, Fifth Third had $185 billion in assets and operated 1,123 full-service banking centers and 2,464 ATMs with Fifth Third branding in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina. In total, Fifth Third provides its customers with access to approximately 53,000 fee-free ATMs across the United States. Fifth Third operates four main businesses: Commercial Banking, Branch Banking, Consumer Lending and Wealth & Asset Management. Fifth Third is among the largest money managers in the Midwest and, as of March 31, 2020, had $374 billion in assets under care, of which it managed $42 billion for individuals, corporations and not-for-profit organizations through its Trust and Registered Investment Advisory businesses. Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Fifth Third’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq® Global Select Market under the symbol “FITB.” Fifth Third Bank was established in 1858. Deposit and Credit products are offered by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.