Check out this story in a San Francisco transportation blog:
http://sf.streetsblog.org/2010/08/25/new-orleans-activist-embarks-on-1600-mile-bike-ride-for-the-gulf/
UPDATE: Unfortunately, due to a death in the family and a lack of community support, Malik had to call off his bike trip to DC. He is hoping to resume the trip to raise awareness and call for action to restore the Gulf and Gulf coast, if there is enough support. If you want to help, click on the 'Contact' tab above and send an email.
Biking to raise awareness and take action for the Gulf
"Just think if everyone would just take one day to get out of their cars, and get on their bikes...just one day that we refuse to use fossil fuels. I'm challenging anyone who hears about this to come join me -- ride with me. Together we can come up with some peaceful ways to find solutions to these pressing problems, because the solutions DO exist, and it's up to us to make them happen." --organizer Malik Rahim
NOT ACCEPTING DONATIONS AT THIS TIME.
IF THE TRIP RESUMES, WE WILL BEGIN ACCEPTING DONATIONS AGAIN.
62-year old community organizer Malik Rahim left New Orleans on July 14th on a 1,500 mile journey by bicycle to confront legislators in Washington DC on the need for real action to restore the Gulf from the devastating oil spill wreaking havoc throughout the region.
JOIN
Community Organizer, former Black Panther, and environmental advocate
MALIK RAHIM
as he
BIKES FROM NEW ORLEANS TO WASHINGTON DC
to demand the necessary resources and effort to
RESTORE THE GULF
from the worst environmental disaster in US history
Tour departs from New Orleans on July 14th, 2010, with an arrival in Washington DC by September 22nd.
5-minute video about the ride produced by Flux Rostrum of fluxview.com:
Comments
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(Posted on 2010-08-29 23:40:00 by )
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Malik, what you're doing is fantastic! I miss you guys. Hope to get down there soon ... Working with Common Ground was the best thing ever done, the thing I'm most proud of.
(Posted on 2010-08-28 01:52:00 by ) -
You have our support here in New Orleans. Stay strong and we're proud of you!
Chandrika
(Posted on 2010-08-25 15:46:00 by ) -
Oops! My channel is--
YouTube/user/GulfOilDisaster2010
(Posted on 2010-08-17 02:51:00 by ) -
Checking in on ya! I've had a link to your website on my channel since before you left. Wish I could contribute more.
When Kucinich ran for President a guy walked across the country in support of Dennis' message. I realized then... that doing such a thing is really quite profound.
Because... making change... happens... one step after another... one mighty push after another... one day after another when a ray of light shines in people's life... when they see... that... some things are quite important indeed... important enough to want to take that long walk... to push that hard wheel... so that those who sleep at their ease can have their lives touched by those who suffer... and perhaps awaken to a higher mission in life than one's own silly self.
(Posted on 2010-08-17 02:48:00 by ) -
The Charleston Green Party and Charleston Peace would love to arrange an event with Malik as speaker. Do you have a timeline for your arrival in Charleston SC?
(Posted on 2010-08-09 12:45:00 by ) -
I just found out bikeforthegulf.org by chance and I'm so delighted. I promulgated the same idea exactly without having ever known about this organization. See this link from our local Honolulu paper. I got a worthy mention here:
http://www.staradvertiser.com/columnists/thegreenleaf/20100705_small_changes_can_cut_isles_heavy_fuel_reliance.html
I'm proud to say that I bike full time and don't even own a car. And I'm 61, close to Malik's age. It sure helps to be a vegan. It keeps me fit and healthy.
Good for you Malik! You should carry a visible slogan on your bike saying: "I am biking for oil independence." Then people will get your message more visibly and immediately. Or have a short banner BikeForThe Gulf.Org so that people will learn about your website.
To see a photo of me with this sign, click on:
http://handsacrossthesandhawaii.org/photos-video/group/1434454@N20/hands-across-the-sand-hawaii-2010.html?page=3
And then go to the fourth row and fourth column and click on my picture to get the full view.
(Posted on 2010-07-23 19:52:00 by ) -
Way to go big brother, im proud to know you. Go with peace and justice.
(Posted on 2010-07-22 16:12:00 by ) -
Just chipped in $50.
Right On, Ride On, Malik !
(Posted on 2010-07-17 22:06:00 by ) -
Utterly awesome, Malik. Go with Vayu, the wind!
Travel safely.
Chris Keyser
(Posted on 2010-07-16 23:02:00 by ) -
Whenever I grow weary I will think of you. You continue to set the bar higher big bro. I won't forget what you have asked of me.
(Posted on 2010-07-12 23:47:00 by ) -
That's so great. We are really happy you are doing this. You have our support and love!
(Posted on 2010-07-09 17:04:00 by ) -
Go Malik! Your continued dedication and growth of your kitchen table enterprize inspires!
Proud to have lived in the Common Ground collective if only for a short time.. It has called me back daily.. if I didn't have a dizzy issue due to a head injury I'd join you.. Jah watches!
(Posted on 2010-07-09 16:58:00 by ) -
awesome work malik!
(Posted on 2010-07-07 16:41:00 by ) -
Sending positive and up lifting energy to you on your amazing journey! I hope you have the best weather and even better companions along the way! Love will surround you wherever you are!
(Posted on 2010-07-07 12:33:00 by ) -
Good luck on your journey for what you want to see happen which is so important. Me as somebody that lived in the most well known house from katrina applause your efforts. I will spread the word soon and I will be thinking about you.
Big love, Robb
(Posted on 2010-07-06 20:03:00 by ) -
Go Malik! Please send in donations, all...
Now that is some dedication.
(Posted on 2010-07-06 16:27:00 by ) -
Blessings Captain Malik:
Safe journey. I will be thinking of you.
xoxo
Posie
(Posted on 2010-07-06 14:35:00 by ) -
Thanks for taking a broad view and taking on this challenge. Hopefully you'll have some folks join you and learn that we can all make a difference, stop using so much oil, and protect our lands and seas. It doesn't matter who you are or wear you are, we can really all make a difference. Good luck to you! -Angela
(Posted on 2010-07-05 06:35:00 by ) -
Thank you for the inspiration you are giving me. Good luck on your bike ride. It is not just a local issue you are adressing. It is a global awareness that needs to happen soon. Thank you for your effort.
Caspar Drenth
the Netherlands
(Posted on 2010-07-05 06:28:00 by ) -
I've ridden on cross-country bike rides. Both with Bike4Peace. We had people from 12 to 68 ride with us for just a morning to a couple of days.
Before I'd started Bike4Peace in 2005 I had never ridden more than 10 miles. For the month before I left I rode more, but my longest day was 42 miles on all flat, with none of the weight I'd be carrying. The first day is over Snoqualmie Pass and is 86 miles. You better believe I walked part of that pass, but I made it!
Good luck on your journey!
(Posted on 2010-06-30 16:54:00 by ) -
Looking forward to joining you in Raleigh for the last 260 miles. In the meantime I'll be spreading the word to our friends here in NY!
Ray Malone
Touro Law '09
(Posted on 2010-06-29 13:27:00 by ) -
Dear Malik, I saw Your video and read YOur story. I ride my bike daily and rode more than 4.000 miles last year. I´m sure You can finish Your ride and Your mission! Wishing You all the best, regards, Supp from Vienna, Austria, Europe.
(Posted on 2010-06-29 06:13:00 by ) -
I just shared your video on Facebook. I'd love to join you for part of your ride through Atlanta.
Check out AtlantaBike.org this is the site for Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, I'm sure they can lend support and help spread the word.
(Posted on 2010-06-26 13:14:00 by ) -
Malik, I am so impressed that you are doing this, can't wait to see your schedule to see if we can possibly meet up and join you for a bit. As usual, my heart is bleeding for New Orleans.
Sandy Hazley, Chair, Green Party of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
(Posted on 2010-06-22 13:43:00 by ) -
Inspiring!! YOu should develop a FB page as well! Spread the word! Heard this on democracy now today.
(Posted on 2010-06-22 03:13:00 by ) -
RIDE ON!
(Posted on 2010-06-21 12:37:00 by )
Itinerary as of 7/27 (subject to change!)
July26 -
Leave pearlington to biloxi stopping in waveland and gulfport (48 miles 1 day plus weekend)
July 29 -
Leave biloxi to mobile ( 67 miles 1 day)
July 30 -
Leave Mobile to Laguna beach (130 Miles 4 days plus weekend
Aug 4 -
Leave Laguna beach to tallahassee Via coast route (152 Miles 3 days)
Aug 9 -
Leave Tallahassee to Jacksonville (175 Miles 3 days plus weekend)
August 13 -
Leave Jacksonville to Savannah (156 Miles 5 days)
August 19 -
Leave Savannah to Charleston (117 Miles 4 days)
August 23 -
Leave Charleston to Myrtle Beach (107 Miles 3 days )
August 26 -
Leave Myrtle Beach to Wilmington (96 Miles 3 days)
(break August 29th Through September 7th for Anniversary)
Sept. 7 - Sept. 10
Leave Wilmington to Fayetteville (95 Miles 3 days)
Sept. 11 - Sept. 13
Leave Fayetteville to Raleigh (62 miles 2 days plus weekend)
Sept. 13 - September 18 -
Leave Raleigh to Richmond (170 miles 5 days plus weekend)
September 18 -
Leave Richmond to Washington DC (130 miles 4 days)
September 22nd Arrival
Bike for the Gulf
"Restoring hope and building global responsibility"
Malik - I'm sending you love, support, and some celebration $. Now you just go show and tell President Obama what a Real community organizer is! You inspire me and I hope that I can recipricate around our shared birthday time. Your good and always friend, Barbara