RAILS-TO-TRAILS CONSERVANCY JOINS BRITA CLIMATE RIDE 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) announces today its participation in Brita Climate Ride 2008, a five-day, 320-mile bicycle ride to raise money for and awareness of climate change. Portions of the ride will take place on rail-trails.

"Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is happy to share our passion for trails and biking as part of the smart solution to climate change during Climate Ride 2008," says RTC President Keith Laughlin. "Rail-trails and trail systems used in conjunction with walking, biking and transit have the ability to dramatically reduce America's carbon footprint."

Climate Ride 2008 is the first multi-day bicycle tour where participants pedal to raise money and awareness of climate change and hope for a future powered by renewable energy and a green economy. Each day, expert speakers will address the riders as well as community members along the way. Money raised through the ride will benefit two organizations: Focus the Nation and Clean Air–Cool Planet.

"The participation of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy fits perfectly with our mission: getting people onto bicycles and reducing greenhouse gases," says Geraldine Carter, co-founder and director of Brita Climate Ride 2008. "We are thrilled to have the support and participation of Team RTC." 

Participating in Climate Ride and leading Team RTC on the trip is Kartik Sribarra, outreach manager for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. "I've seen the benefits realized by communities all over the country that have prioritized trails, walking and biking for transportation," he says. "The more people that use these trails and trails connections to get to work, school or play, the better it is for our climate, public health and quality of life."

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is asking the public to support their participation in Climate Ride by making a donation to Team RTC. By donating, supporters are helping send RTC staff on the ride allowing RTC to make an impact on climate change legislation and gain awareness for rail-trails. As a 'thank you' for support of $200 or more, RTC will send donors a complimentary Limited Edition 2008 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Bicycle Jersey—the very same jersey Team RTC will be wearing on Climate Ride 2008. To donate visit www.railstotrails.org/climateride2008.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization with more than 100,000 members, is the nation's largest trails organization dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many  from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Founded in 1986, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. For more information visit www.railstotrails.org.