TKF Partnering with League of Michigan Bicyclists to Raise Funds & Awareness Around Ending Distracted Driving
The Kiefer Foundation (TKF) is working with its advocacy partner, League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB), to raise funds and awareness around distracted driving through the Bike It! Commuter Challenge taking place throughout the month of September.
September 19 marks four years since the tragic loss of 18-year-old Mitchel Kiefer, who was killed in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver. It is the difficulty of that day that is inspiring the foundation’s advocacy and engagement efforts.
“September is an especially difficult month for our family,” said foundation Chairman Steve Kiefer, Mitchel’s father. “Doing something to further the eradication of distracted driving while honoring Mitchel helps us turn a horrible event into something that will help others.”
Bike It! Commuter Challenge is a virtual event put on by LMB in conjunction with TKF, encouraging Michigan cyclists to pledge commuter miles and donations for the cause. The goal of Team Kiefer is to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, and to raise funds to support their efforts. Each rider has pledged to ride 100 miles throughout the month, with a team goal to raise $50,000.
John Lindenmayer, Executive Director of LMB said, “We are excited to partner with The Kiefer Foundation to raise awareness for distracted driving. Everyone on our team knows someone who’s lost their life to distracted driving, which gives us a personal reason to work for this cause.”
Half of the proceeds raised by Team Kiefer will go to LMB to further the organization’s efforts in support of advocacy to end distracted driving.
“In the past decade, the number of Americans struck and killed while walking increased by 35 percent, and Michigan is the 19th highest state for pedestrian fatalities per capita,” reads the organization’s website.
“Distraction was a factor in at least 3,157 fatal crashes on American roadways in 2016, which comprised nine percent of all fatal crashes that year, according to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA).”
Remaining proceeds raised by Team Kiefer will continue to fund the Kiefer Foundation’s efforts, including partnerships with impactful organizations like B.R.A.K.E.S. and StopDistractions.org.
Team Kiefer is asking supporters to engage with the event in one or all of the following ways:
Start a Team
Create a team that will pledge to ride throughout the month of September with a group fundraising goal.
Join Team Kiefer
Become a member of Team Kiefer to ride in honor of Mitchel and fundraise toward the team’s $50,000 goal.
Share on Social Media
Take a photo before or after your commute and share it to social media, tagging TKF (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) and LMB (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).
Give
Make a donation to Team Kiefer. Please note that no corporate donations are being accepted at this time.
To learn more about this virtual event, visit the lmb.org/bikeit website.
About The Kiefer Foundation
The Kiefer Foundation was founded in 2016 to honor 18-year-old Mitchel Kiefer’s legacy after he was tragically killed in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver. The mission of the Kiefer Foundation is to end distracted driving and all associated traffic deaths and injuries through its three pillars: awareness, policy, and technology. Learn more at mkiefer.org.
About LMB
LMB’s mission is to improve life through bicycling. Cooperating with state and local agencies and other like-minded groups toward this goal, LMB is making Michigan bicycling better. LMB advocates for bicycle-friendly policies at the State Capitol; provides financial assistance to individuals and organizations with a shared mission; develops and promotes educational materials for bicyclists, motorists, engineers, and law enforcement; runs several annual multi-day cycling tours; and provides bicyclists with an annual ride calendar featuring statewide bicycling events.