Students to Bike into Medford to Promote Sustainability

Five college students will bicycle into Medford to spend July 7-11 helping to strengthen and inspire community groups, and supporting a regional movement for creating a more sustainable world. The riders—Rayleigh Lei from Columbia University, Carrie Watkins and Amira Mintz-Morgenthau from Brandeis University, Lauren Clapp from Elon University, and Maureen McCoy from St. Lawrence University—are participating in a New England program called Climate Summer.

The teams of student riders are spending the summer working with community leaders and residents to connect diverse constituencies and weave a powerful movement against fossil fuel use and climate change. Riders live their values—traveling exclusively by bike across New England. In all, 31 college students will spend their summers on bikes in 42 communities throughout New England, working with local leaders to build a better future.

Already-scheduled events for Medford’s Climate Summer Week will include:

Thursday July 7:

“Bike Fest” at the Medford Farmers Market, 3-7 pm at Whole Foods Market, Route 16. Guests for the day will include JRA Cycles from Salem Street in Medford and Smooth Scooters (West Medford), as well as DBC City Bike Design (Boston), Culinary Cruisers (custom-built, pedal powered bicycle food carts), and a not-to-miss special appearance by bike-powered band sensation “Melodeego”!

Friday July 8:

Mystic River cleanup with Power Kids Summer Enrichment Program. About 25-30 kids, ages 5-11, will be joined by the Climate Summer Team and Green Medford members to clean up a section of riverfront property. The kids will be treated to lunch and a sustainability-related tour at Whole Foods Market following the cleanup. Event sponsored by Whole Foods.

Saturday July 9:

Brooks Estate Picnic, 12-3 pm

Monday July 11:

Representatives of Medford City Departments will discuss with Climate Summer team both the substantial progress they have achieved toward sustainability and other ideas for making more progress in the future.

Medford Environmental Tour by Bike, guided by resident Tom Lincoln, a longtime civic activist. The tour will be held rain or shine (pouring rain cancels). Open to the public, but limited to the first 15 riders. RSVP to Tom Lincoln (email TLinc02155@aol.com).

– Submitted by Susan Altman, Green Medford