During April, people across the world take a pledge to ride their bike every day for 30 days through a Minneapolis-based initiative called 30 Days of Biking. Whether biking to work and back, around the neighborhood or at a spin class, the goal is to get moving every day. For the past four years, US English teacher Matthew Hoven has encouraged students and teachers to participate in 30 Days of Biking.

“We have such amazingly active people who can help raise money for World Bicycle Relief. Sadly, I haven’t had any students approach me regarding 30 Days of Biking this year. This weather is horrible and no one wants to bike outside in it. Students don’t recognize that you don’t need to bike outside to participate,” Hoven said.

The purpose of riding is to help raise 30,000 dollars for World Bicycle Relief. This non-profit organization distributes bicycles to children and adults in developing countries to aid in poverty relief. 30 Days of Biking was started by Patrick Stephenson in 2010. According to Stephenson, the event takes place in April for a specific reason: “It’s when everybody’s finding their spring energy again, but typically, it’s not when the ‘bike season’ begins. We’re changing that.”

30 days of Biking has a strong presence around the world, with over 100 countries participating. People in these countries, young and old. are biking to raise money for the cause.

“I want people to commit to riding because it makes them feel happy,” Hoven said.

Contact Hoven for more information on how to get involved, or visit 30 Days of Biking.