Dennis Choi is cycling the length of Canada, from west to east, to raise awareness of bicycle safety and to raise funds for Right To Play.
Choi began his journey in his hometown, Jarvis, Ont., on June 15. He first rode east through Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick. P.E.I and Nova Scotia. Then from Halifax he flew to Victoria and has continued east from there. He passed through Canmore on July 21.
“I wanted to raise awareness for ride safety for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists,” said Choi, while stopped for an interview. “I feel it’s an important reason to do it, to save a life or injury.”
In June, 2010, Choi’s good friend Blaine Morden was killed while riding a bicycle in Hamilton, Ont. when the driver of a car rushed to make a turn around a truck.
“The accident could have been avoided if either of the guys slowed down,” said Choi. “A lot of it is because people are in a rush.
“Safety’s everyone’s responsibility, it’s not just another person’s fault,” he added. “That’s what I’m trying to get across to people – work with what you have, but don’t be ignorant of others around you.”
Choi teamed up with Right To Play, a non-profit humanitarian organization that provides underprivileged children opportunities to get involved in organized sports.
“I’m trying to raise $25,000 for them by the end of my campaign,” he said.
As of July 21, Choi was almost at the halfway mark of 3,600 kilometres and raised $11,000.
“Being in sports has really provided me a lot of opportunities to see what I want to do in life,” he said, explaining why he chose Right To Play. “It builds my self-confidence and inter-personal skills as well, and that’s what Right To Play pursues.
“Those are privileges that people can’t afford, so I felt it was a great way to share how I build my friendships.”
The ride has been an eye-opening experience for Choi, who has not previously spent much time outside of Ontario.
“Meeting the people has been the best part so far,” he said. “Wherever you go, they always want to help you. I was always outdoorsy, but I’ve never really experienced Canada before, so being out here is fantastic.”
While stopped in Lake Louise, Choi went for a swim in the lake with his friend Sean House.
“We took a dip in there and all these people started crowding around. It was a pretty cool experience,” said Choi.
House has joined Choi for the Montreal to Halifax and Victoria to Calgary portions of the journey.
“I thought I’d hop on this campaign and help out where I can,” said House.
Raising awareness of bicycle safety is the most important thing, stressed Choi.
“To make the community safer, everybody in the community has to work together,” he said. “That’s what I’m trying to get at.”
To follow the ride or to learn how to donate, visit Choi’s website at wearemadetogive.wordpress.com
