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Sustainable Travel International is pedaling for a greener world in its new campaign, Ride Local™. The educational campaign is designed to inform the public about the benefits of cycling and help consumers more easily identify bicycle manufacturers, bike shops, and touring companies who are committed to sustainability. In addition, STI hopes the campaign kicks these companies’ green business practices into high gear. By pointing out their competitor’s commitments, companies are encouraged and empowered to become more socially responsible, and cyclists are empowered to support them.
“Prompted by gas prices, climate change, energy security, and personal health, more people are considering cycling and other transportation alternatives,” said Brian T. Mullis, president of Sustainable Travel International. “We wanted to support those decisions with the launch of the Ride Local campaign because those cyclists can make a positive impact on our environment.”
The Ride Local campaign will also demand greater sustainable business practices in the bicycle manufacturing and touring industries. The web site (www.ridelocal.org) features only bicycle manufacturers, bicycle shops, and tour providers that have verifiably implemented sustainable business practices. Identified through a Good Practices Analysis created by Sustainable Travel International, highlighted businesses will showcase their sustainability efforts on the Ride Local website, providing consumers the opportunity to make informed purchasing decisions that align with their personal values.
Historically, there has been little corporate-level commitment to environmental sustainability and workers’ wellbeing in the cycling industry. Outsourcing production of parts and frames to countries with lax labor laws and environmental legislation is the industry norm, while many bike touring companies have little or no commitment to the environment or cultural-heritage preservation in the destinations they visit.
“By demanding and expecting sustainability industry-wide, bicyclists can prompt consumer-driven companies to begin offering more environmentally friendly products,” said Tony Ellsworth, CEO of Ellsworth Bicycles. “And Ride Local will be their go-to guide.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
