Causecast

By RACHAEL BROWNELL

Matthew Modine talked recently with Super Eco Editor Rachael Brownell about his non-profit, Bicycle for a Day , the joy of cycling in New York City, and how Jacques Cousteau inspired a life’s work.

RB: How did BFD come about and what is your long-term vision for Bicycle for a Day?

MM: The idea came out of Davos—specifically the group, Young Global Leaders. They decided to focus on the environment and they reached out to me after the meeting and asked me what I would do to reduce carbon emissions worldwide.
I answered “bicycling”
BFD’s first event was held this past September 2008 and MBT Shoes sponsored the walk and gathering at the pier. Over 14,000 people showed up.
Lucas Haas sang and Robert F. Kennedy spoke—he has been instrumental to protect our lakes and streams, as part of Riverkeeper.org. He’s one of my heroes.
The event last fall was also sponsored by Segway.

RB: What are your favorite sources of news and information on green issues?

MM: I read American Forests and the newspapers and “The Week Magazine”.

RB: What other organizations do you support who are making a difference in this arena?

MM: Riverkeeper, and the others listed on the BFD website

RB: Any other projects you’re working on right now that you’re excited about?*

MM: I’m very excited about Card Carrying Liberal. The card carrying liberal is very important to me – the phrase “card carrying liberal” became used as a dirty word or an insult during the Reagan Administration.
Nevermind that our country was founded by liberals, my grandmother said if you have people who anger you or who you disagree with, or whose ideas you are against, try to plant a little seed of love in them. If there’s goodness in them, it will grow.
For example, there is a goodness in Bill O’Reilly. I went on his show and talked about Card Carrying Liberal and Bicycle for a Day and he disagreed with me on some things, but admitted I was a patriot.

For related news, visit our Environment Channel for Change

Visit our Matthew Modine Leader profile page for more info on Matthew.

Click here to read the entirety
of the Matthew Modine Green interview on Super Eco .

Photo: freewheelinbiker/Flickr