MADISON, WI (BRAIN)—The eighth annual Saris Gala, held Saturday, Nov. 12, raised almost $100,000 for the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.
“In an economy like this, that shows a lot of support for the Bicycle Federation,” noted Saris Cycling Group advocacy director Heather Fortune.
“We strongly believe that the bicycle will increase the quality of life,” said Saris president Chris Fortune. “The Bike Fed is the organization that will improve bicycling in our state. We're proud to host the Saris Gala, but we did not do this alone. This is a community event that relies heavily on volunteers and the generous support of our industry partners.”
Over the course of its eight years, the Saris Gala has raised more than $600,000 for the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin. Funds raised from Saturday’s event, Heather Fortune said, will go toward the group’s efforts to secure passage of a state “vulnerable roadway user law,” which would help protect Wisconsin’s cyclists, pedestrians, highway workers and other vulnerable road users. Such laws have been passed in states including Oregon, Delaware and New York.
This year’s event honored 7-Eleven Cycling Team founder Jim Ochowicz and members from the 1986 Tour de France squad, the first U.S. professional team to compete in the race. Ochowicz and team members Doug Shapiro, Jeff Pierce, Raul Alcala, Ron Kiefel and Alex Steida shared stories from that historic tour with the 550 people who turned out for the gala.
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization working to make bicycling convenient, safe, accessible and fun as well as to inspire, motivate and unite a strong community of civic, business and political leaders, motorists and bicyclists to move bicycling forward statewide.
For more information about its advocacy efforts, visit the link above.
