Pedal Power for the Planet

We are excited to announce that FracTracker will be the beneficiary of a cross-country cycling expedition! Starting today, Dave Weyant of San Mateo, California will set out on a 4,262 mile cross-country journey on the Transamerica Route from tidewater Virginia to the Oregon Coast. The funds raised through this ride will be used by FracTracker to conduct tours and presentations to college and high school students – to show them first-hand or through compelling maps and imagery the harms that accompany oil and gas development and the better energy options available now. If you’d like to donate, please visit Dave’s Go Fund Me page. We appreciate your contribution for this important purpose.

Interview with Dave Weyant:

We interviewed Dave to learn more about his motivations for the trek and for supporting FracTracker.

When did you start thinking about doing this adventure?

Since 1976, when the Trans Am trip was first done to celebrate the bicentennial; I was 10 years old.

What excites you most about this trip/what are you looking forward to?

The self-reliance aspect of it, the fact that all I have will be on my bike. And all those miles, slowly seeing the US landscape change. I imagine I’ll have to eat a lot, too, and I enjoy eating.

What do you think will be the greatest challenges?

Humidity, bad weather, and a few things to be determined that I hadn’t planned for.

Why are you helping out FracTracker?

I’m concerned about fracking and fossil fuel development, especially the effects on the environment, drinking water, and how all this activity tends to slow or detract from investments in renewable energy. Being a history teacher, I hate the thought of someone looking back on us and saying “what were they thinking?”

What gives you hope that we can save the planet and effectively fight climate change?

Young people who care and are informed.

What was your favorite cycling experience to date?

Cycling down the coast from San Francisco to LA. Beautiful!

Why should others take up cycling? Why is it important to you?

It is a clean source of transportation. It keeps us healthy, removes cars from the road, and takes you back to being a kid pedaling through your neighborhood.

Support Dave’s Endeavor
Donations are tax deductible and benefit FracTracker Alliance

Check back throughout the summer for more articles & info about Dave’s experiences on the road.