What could be better than enjoying your favourite pastime? How about combining it with charitable work?
Cycling for a cause has been trending on social media for some time, with fitness fanatics keen to showcase their passion for cycling and their commitment to charitable giving. So, how can you combine fitness with fundraising rides, and why should you?
Let’s take a closer look.
What Are the Benefits of Cycling for a Cause?
There are many reasons why you should choose to cycle for a cause, such as Macmillan bike events which are designed to raise funds to help and support people with cancer and their families.
To Raise Awareness
A cycling ride for charity encourages people to talk about a variety of social and environmental issues, as well as about the charity itself.
You can choose to use the event as a platform to raise awareness and spread the message about any cause that is close to your heart.
To Foster a Sense of Community
There is just something about a charity event, such as a bike race, to foster a sense of community. By bringing people with a common goal together, you can have a positive effect on the local community as a whole and act as an advocate for a specific campaign or cause.
To Bring About Change
Although you may not think that one person can bring about change, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Known as the “knock-on effect”, when you choose to do something good, such as cycle for a cause, you set things in motion for other people to follow in your footsteps.
To Raise Funds
Most notably, charitable cycling events are organised to raise money for a specific cause or charitable organisation. Sponsorship, donations, and any money raised on the day itself all go directly to the charity and can make a huge difference in people’s lives.
To Mitigate Climate Change
Cycling is a green mode of transport, which means that it does not harm the environment like cars do. Promoting cycling as a means of travel can help reduce people’s carbon footprint, promote cleaner air, and mitigate climate change.
How to Get Involved in Cycling for a Cause
If you would like to get involved in cycling for a cause, there are two main routes that you can choose to go down.
1. Organised Charity Rides
As the name suggests, organised charity rides are pre-organised, which means that the charity in question plans the route, carries your gear, and provides support services.
With this type of charity ride, it is a lot easier to get going, as all you have to do is pick the charitable organisation that you want to support and then sign up for the next available date.
Organised charity rides are a good choice if you are taking part in a cycling event for charity for the first time, as the charity will help give you tips on how to get more donations, as well as a variety of fundraising materials.
Other benefits of organised charity rides include:
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The opportunity to meet like-minded people.
- The chance to have fun with others.
- More motivation from working as a team.
- More cheers and encouragement from spectators.
- A big celebration at the end of the race.
2. Independent Charity Rides
Independent charity rides, on the other hand, require a little more effort, but that doesn’t mean that you should not consider this type of fundraising event.
More popular with cyclists who have already taken part in organised rides, the beauty of an independent charity ride is that you have complete control of every aspect.
Furthermore, not all registered charities offer organised rides, so if you have a specific charity in mind that you want to support and they don’t have a ride in your area, you may have no choice but to go it alone.
It is worth knowing that, with independent charity rides, you will need to sort out all the logistics of the event yourself and you will also have to cover any costs.
About the Author
Tabatha Fabray is a freelance writer who specialises in finance, budgeting, and life planning. Tabatha is also passionate about supporting charitable organisations and is actively involved in her local community.
