Local Cyclists Ride 10 Miles to Promote the Vote

San Bernardino Generation Now (SBGN) and supporters gathered at Littlefield/Shultis Memorial Park last Sunday evening for a bicycle ride through the city. The 10-mile ride organized by Jorge Heredia, member of San Bernardino Generation Now, was part of an ongoing campaign which included two earlier bike rides the week prior, with the goal of raising local awareness on the importance of voter participation and increasing voter turnout in this week's City elections. We want to get people motivated about their candidates. We want them to feel like they have a voice in their community.” said Jorge Heredia. Four of the cyclists were equipped with makeshift LED lit signs, each with a letter that together spelled out the word “VOTE”. "We've had some positive reaction on the streets." said Jennica Billins, another participant in the event. "'Vote for who?' they say, and we tell them. 'Just get informed, and vote for whoever you think will do the job right!'" Rachel Clark from the League of Women Voters showed up to show her support of the event. "This is great! I support anything that has to do with civic participation," shared the retired City Clerk. Other participants of this event included members of the San Bernardino Generation Now group along with local students and bicycle commuters. Henry Nickel, who is running for City Council in Ward 5, also made an appearance at the event. After a quick safety check on the bicycles and equipment, the small but determined group set out on their ride. They went southeast on Kendall Drive, headed east on 40th Street, and then coasted downhill on Waterman Avenue with their journey ending on Mill Street. “We’re trying to encourage a culture that allows for voting to be at the top of people’s minds,” said Cesar Gomez, member of SBGN and the Revolve Project. This isn’t the first event that San Bernardino Generation Now has organized to increase civic engagement. In the past they worked with other organizations to hold a forum for the Mayoral candidates at CSUSB, posted videos on Facebook of candidate interviews and registered 1,400 high school students to vote. San Bernardino Generation Now is a politically neutral group that promotes a culture of civic mindedness and support for local businesses and organizations.