RIDE2SHARE: Motorcycle Riders for the Blind

Volunteer Campaign

The author of the idea and the organizer of the event - Aldona Juozaityte-Pieva

About the Project: RIDE2SHARE
“An avalanche of senses poured forth: the potency of motorbikes, the powerful sound of speeding engines, leaning into curves, the rushing of wind. The smell of meadows and forests nearby, the burst of warm and cold breezes as my heart beat faster and faster with acceleration” – Sigitas Sinkevicius, blind physical therapist who took part in the first RIDE2SHARE event in Vilnius, Lithuania
RIDE2SHARE is a project offering free motorcycle rides to the blind and visually impaired. In 2017, I organized my first RIDE2SHARE event in Lithuania, where 150 participants took part. Partnering up with the Lithuanian Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, I had the privilege of organizing multiple ride-outs throughout the country, where riders were coupled with their visually impaired passengers. The result was absolutely amazing! I got fantastic feedback from both the riders and the pillions, and I’m eager to keep the project going. RIDE2SHARE 2017 was nominated for the "Overcome Obstacle" award of Equal Opportunities Office in Vilnius, Lithuania. More about RIDE2SHARE in 2017: womenadvriders.com; photo gallery – motopowder.com

 In 2018, I envision continuing the RIDE2SHARE project throughout Europe. Traveling across European countries on my motorcycle, I would contact the local communities of the blind and visually impaired as well as the local motorcycling communities and make the same miracle happen again: motorcycle riders giving free rides to those who cannot see.
RIDE2SHARE has the following highlights:

  • It’s an amazing opportunity for the blind and visually impaired: experiencing the freedom of motorcycling in a safe environment, feeling empowered and being encouraged to try different things. Some of the participants of the first RIDE2SHARE were inspired to try flying and driving cars!
  • This project enables the blind and visually impaired to experience motorcycling all over the country, not just in their local community or club. The experience is location-independent which is important.
  • It gives new meaning to motorcycling – all riders who gave rides to the visually impaired in 2017 said they felt inspired to share their love of motorcycling even more.
  • Lots of riders became great friends with their passengers, and some still ride together.
  • It proves (dis)abilities are meaningless when people come together and share an incredible experience with each other.

PROJECT BUDGET
Duration: one year
Budget: € 16,600
Expenses:

  1. Communications with local communities in different countries (interpreters, phone calls, etc);
  2. Website and online registration form;
  3. Media communication before and after events, translations to different languages;
  4. Photographers and video makers at the events;
  5. Event stickers and posters in Braille;
  6. Travelling expenses: fuel, food, motorcycle maintenance and budget hostels or camp sites.

About Me
I’m Aldona, a passionate motorcyclist from Lithuania, and as a fourth-generation teacher, I love to share my love for motorcycles with others. Teaching, motorcycle coaching, writing, and organizing motorcycle events are my strong suits, and I’m excited to be able to give motorcycling a new meaning. I’ve been riding motorcycles on and off the road for ten years now. More about me:  motopowder.com.
I believe each of us can make a difference in the world. My inspiration is injustice, and I dedicate my work to equal opportunities for everybody. Generosity, kindness and courage are my values I hope to share.
Thank you for taking time to read about my campaign and supporting my cause. I am happy to answer any questions you might have. Drop me a line ataldona@motopudra.com
“You can describe a rainbow very accurately, but can you imagine it if you've never seen it? I can describe RIDE2SHARE very accurately, but how do I express all the feelings I experienced? The spring is here, and I can hear motorcycles in the streets already. I can't wait for this year's RIDE!“ – Sigitas Sinkevicius.