Welcome to the second in a series of interviews leading up to Upright Egg’s next production VENUS (a play about energy). This week, we’re talking with Patrick Stephenson and Zachariah Schaap of 30 Days of Biking, a local Twin Cities group raising awareness and connecting communities through biking.
1) What is 30 Days of Biking and how did it start?
30 Days of Biking started accidentally when Patrick Stephenson and Zachariah Schaap challenged a small group of friends on Twitter to “ride every day for 30 days!” It began in April of 2010 and within 24 hours it had grown exponentially into an international challenge! It felt so right to start the summer out with round 1 that we’ve created a round two.
2) You’ve been covered by local media, also in NYC, DC, Austin and Portland – all pretty bike friendly locations. Do you have stories of 30 Days making an impact on communities that are still developing a biking community? And how has the Twin Cities community responded to 30 Days?
The event has gotten many people from smaller communities and suburban areas to start thinking about cycling as a viable option for transport. One rider from Pensacola, Florida said he was participating in the event “to raise awareness that it’s possible to use a bike as full-time transportation, even in small cites with no particular cycling infrastructure.” That’s really the soul of 30 Days of Biking. The Twin Cities community has fully embraced the event with a great deal of enthusiasm!
3) Upright Egg was attracted to 30 Days of Biking because we share the love for community building and a desire to encourage alternatives to cars – has the social media use led to more connections and partnerships among the cycling communities you’ve reached?
It’s brought cyclists and communities together. The event gives people common ground and has bridged gaps in many areas. For instance, it has linked all types of cyclists together, the commuter to the leisure cyclist, the hipster to performance, young to old, experienced to novice, and so on!
4) What have been the biggest surprises about 30 Days of Biking?
We’re surprised by how dramatically this event has changed peoples lives, and how inspired people are by the event. We could have never imagined this. Also, we’ve learned through our registrants that a large majority of people riding bikes actually name their bike. It’s astonishing to see that most bikes you see on the road and trails actually have a name and often a backstory. It makes me think that a bike is more than a just bike… it’s a pet. A well-cared pet that you love… and name.
5) The second round of 30 Days of Biking starts on September 1st – how do people get involved? What’s new for this round from last time?
We absolutely love stories; so do other participants. Share your stories by commenting on our website or send us an email and for a guest post! Follow the story on Twitter. Like us on Facebook, and join our Facebook event. It’s as simple as that! Invite your friends, ride your bike, share your story!
Thanks to both of you for your time! We’re looking forward to September 1st!
