Interview with Matthew Modine, Founder of Bicycle for a Day
Bicycle for a Day (BFAD), founded by Matthew Modine, is a fun, open and proactive event designed to inspire individuals, communities, governments and corporations to take a step towards solving the current environmental issues surrounding personal transportation. BFAD’s goal is to raise awareness of the need to reduce carbon emissions and to demonstrate many simple things that each of us can do everyday to accomplish a cleaner world.
Segway is proud to be a sponsor for the NYC event at the South Street Seaport and will feature a demonstration course for visitors to experience riding a Segway PT and learn how they can incorporate green transportation into their lifestyle. As a leader in green personal transportation, Segway supports the organization’s mission encouraging zero-emissions transportation alternatives. The event is free and open to the public – we invite you to join us to support a wonderful cause!
Joining us to talk about the event today is Matthew Modine. Matthew can be seen biking around NYC daily, and as of this month, he may also be gliding past on his Segway PT.
Sarah: So Matthew, what was the inspiration for your upcoming event, Bicycle for a Day?
Matthew: I was asked a simple question, “If there was one thing I could do to improve the environment, what would I do?” “Bicycling” was my simple reply. By choosing to ride a bike instead of driving a gas powered vehicle you can make an immediate and positive impact on the environment. When we think of the enormity of the problems of global warming, it is very difficult to think that we can do things to restore, or at least stabilize, the situation. But if we consider that one person, becoming part of a movement that would include millions of people from around the world – then the global environmental situation becomes achievable. “Bicycle for a Day” is a global effort to empower people to collectively become that positive change. And it’s fun!
Sarah: Can you please explain why Segway was invited to participate?
Matthew: I wanted Segway to become part of “Bicycle for a Day because I feel that it is one of the most progressive companies in the United States. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter said that the environmental situation, and the energy crisis that the US was experiencing, was the “moral equivalent of war”. That each American had to become more conscious of the energy they consumed and to begin to use less. Carter said we had to free our country from its dependency to oil both to secure our independence from foreign oil and to protect the environment. We needed to invest in new ideas of energy and to invent new ways of transporting ourselves that are more efficient. For me, Segway represents that new way of thinking – how to get from here to there – and is wonderfully efficient in its use of electric energy. Like bicycling, the Segway PT is one additional way to empower yourself to have a positive impact on the environment.
Sarah: And we agree. Along those lines, I understand you recently starting using a Segway PT – can you tell me about how a Segway PT fits into your transportation mix?
Matthew: I live in NYC. Unless the weather is terrible, I will ride my bike to get around. If I have longer trips I will use the subway or take the bus. When I want to have fun and just enjoy a different perspective of NYC, yet still hold myself true to my commitment to transportation alternatives, I ride my Segway PT.
Sarah: Do you have any interesting experiences or stories to share about riding your Segway PT?
Matthew: When you ride it you hear people say, “Look it’s a Segway!” The excitement they feel when they see people on them is great. It makes people smile. That’s nice. It makes me smile too.
Sarah: Ah, the Segway Smile! We have heard that – I’m happy you are having a good experience. Now, as an avid bike rider, can you tell us a bit about how you see bikes and Segway PTs working together for a common goal?
Matthew: Bicycling and riding a Segway PT are both positive steps away from using gas powered vehicles. Of course a bike is self propulsion, and a great way to get exercise. But the Segway is a great second choice for travel when riding a bike is not practical.
Sarah: What do you hope to accomplish by hosting BFAD?
Matthew: I want people to feel that they can be responsible and empowered by making decisions that have a simple yet powerful impact when done collectively. Bicycling is “self-propulsion.” That’s beautiful. Helping yourself to help others.
Sarah: What is your vision for the future of urban transportation?
Matthew: I love traveling to Europe. Europeans seem to really understand public transportation – how to make it work and make it clean and beautiful. Maybe it’s because European countries don’t have an aggressive industrial military complex so they can afford to invest in their countries’ infrastructures. America was made powerful by trains. Every major city had a trolley system in place that worked to efficiently transport people. The automobile changed that. I think we are going to see incredible new electric powered vehicles. The Segway PT will become more of an everyday site because of its efficiency and ease of travel. And the bicycle will become common place.
Sarah: The green movement is overwhelming for many, as it’s a shift in the way we live our lives. What small steps can you suggest for helping to create a greener earth?
Matthew: Remember to turn the lights off when you leave a room. It’s amazing how often we don’t. Get the buildings you live and work in to put motion detector sensitive on/off switches in stairwells and bathrooms. Our homes and offices are the biggest consumers of energy in our country. Look at the simple, small steps. Each journey begins with those baby steps. Start making them!
Sarah: For someone who has never considered alternate forms of transportation, do you have any advice on how to begin?
Matthew: I recommend you look at our sponsors and leaders in the green transportation space – a good place to start is the website www.bicycleforaday.org.
Sarah: What is in the future for BFAD?
Matthew: “Bicycle for a Day” is a global initiative. I hope that the Bicycle for a Day logo will become the image for the environmental movement. The peace sign was the symbol of solidarity for a generation. The Bicycle for a Day will become a symbol of environmental solidarity for a new generation.
Sarah: For people outside of NYC or those unable to attend the event, what would you tell them about it and how can they still participate?
Matthew: Ride a bike. Get a group of your friends and choose not to use gas powered vehicles for the day. Make a decision that you are going to be more conscious of what we often take for granted – our energy consumption. How much water we are using? What can I do to have a positive impact on future generations? Plant a tree! Little things make all the difference.
Sarah: Thank you, Matthew. We look forward to seeing you next week in NYC and wish you best of luck with Bicycle for a Day!
If you are interested in learning more about BFAD, please visit www.bicycleforaday.org. You can also learn more about Segway’s participation at the NYC event on Saturday, September 20th and become a fan of Segway on our new Facebook Page.
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3 Responses to “Interview with Matthew Modine, Founder of Bicycle for a Day”
I like the interview-style of writing, only too bad that the story doesn’t mention in the beginning who Sarah is.
Please add a line like: Sarah ??????? from Segway Inc’s ?????? department had the opportunity to talk with Matthew Modine about the event.
Or something similiar of course.
Keep up the good work,
Kind regards,
Florin
Hi Florin.
Thanks for the note and suggestions. Yes, we should have stated which member of Segway Inc.’s Marketing Team was moderating the interview. We’ll keep it in mind for the future!
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