WORTHY CAUSE // Donate to Transportation Alternatives By December 31 and Your Gift Will Count Double

With the holidays quickly approaching, it's time to start thinking about what gifts you're giving this year. 3rd Ward's got our Handmade Holiday Craft Fair coming up on December 10 (more on that shortly) but we'd also like to point you toward another great gift that'll benefit both someone close to you and NYC as a whole.

NYC non-profit organization Transportation Alternatives is currently in the middle of its end of year fundraising campaign, and a generous local foundation will be matching any donations received by December 31. In addition to supporting a worthy cause, your donation will also get you one of Transportation Alternative's "One Less Car" t-shirts, a perfect gift for anyone who prefers to pedal, stroll or hop on public transit rather than stepping on the gas.

Since 1973 Transportation Alternatives has been advocating for non-automobile transportation in New York City, including bicycling, walking and public transit. One of their latest initiatives has been addressing recent cyclist and pedestrian deaths in which the NYPD has declined to charge or account for the actions of the drivers involved. 3rd Ward's own Mathieu Lefevre was struck and killed by a flatbed truck in October at the corner of Morgan and Meserole. His family and Transportation Alternatives have still received barely any information from the NYPD, despite numerous requests. On Wednesday the organization delivered 2,650 letters to NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly demanding that dangerous drivers be held accountable. They also announced that they are launching an investigation of how the NYPD has been investigating and reporting recent traffic crashes.

Show your support for NYC's cycling community and alternative transportation by giving what you can to help Transportation Alternatives this holiday season.

-- John Ruscher