Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light, a statewide interfaith climate justice organization, launched its 2021 Annual Advocacy Bike Ride: Cycling for a Cleaner Future on May 8.
Traditionally the PA IPL’s annual Bike Ride takes a group of faith leaders (rabbis, pastors, etc.) and PA IPL members from State College to Washington, D.C., to advocate for climate justice issues. This has been done by meeting with Pennsylvania legislators and their staff on Capitol Hill.
This year the Bike Ride has been re-imagined as a bike tour of Pennsylvania, which still amplifies PA IPL’s work with climate justice advocacy.
“The various bike routes will bear witness to our extractive past and present while nurturing and rooting hope for a cleaner future to grow across our state.”
More than 50 cyclists, representing various faith traditions and every corner of Pennsylvania, have registered to participate, and many have already begun this year’s ride. Their goals are to raise $250 to support the work of PA IPL, create community connections across Pennsylvania, raise awareness for critical climate justice issues, and to ride 100 miles over three weeks.
All those involved with PA IPL and the Bike Ride have in common the belief that it is “our” moral and ethical imperative to address climate change, prioritize frontline communities, and the importance of those of faith and conscience to be involved.
This year the group has identified three central issues: No New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure; Renewables and the Future Economy; and Improvements to Human Health-Frontline Communities and Planning for an Equitable Climate Justice Future.
On May 22 and 23, riders and PA IPL members across the state will have the opportunity to meet with PA legislators and policy makers, to speak with them and to engage the officials on these pressing issues of climate justice. They will write letters and make advocacy calls, and in some cases take direct action to mitigate climate change through creation care (the planting of trees) across Pennsylvania. Closing ceremonies are scheduled for May 30. Visit paiplbiketrip.com.
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