Pedal America!

FFC Member, Ira David Levy, Produces and Hosts New National TV Series Pedal America. Most Saturday mornings you can find long-time FFC club member Ira David working out in his bike shorts at Lincoln Park or Old Town. But beginning May 12th you can catch him on WTTW hosting his new national television series, Pedal America. Each 30-minute episode aims to educate, inspire, and encourage riders of all ages to rediscover the basic joys of cycling from journeying through national parks and local urban areas. The series also showcases best routes, bike safety, the development of bike trails, bikeways and bike infrastructure, bicycle repair and maintenance to make cycling less intimidating, and personal stories of how bicycling has helped to transform lives.

“I hear all the reasons why people choose not to ride their bikes,” says Ira David, “People are afraid to ride in traffic, they don’t look good in spandex or don’t like helmet hair. We address all these issues, and so much more to reach broad audience appeal. From cycling for seniors to issues specific to women, we really have something for everyone. Plus we travel to some really cool places.”

Season One opens with the New Belgium brewing company’s Tour de Fat parade in Austin, Texas. Other episodes journey through Sedona, AZ; Napa Valley, CA; Savannah, GA, and Chicago, among others.

With WTTW National Productions as the presenting station and distributed by American Public Television, the series will reach at least 70% of Public Television’s total U.S. household reach when it debuts. “It’s a strong beginning,” says Ira, “but what really impresses me are the letters we are already receiving. I’m getting letters from recreational riders who are hearing or sight-impaired, and people with other disabilities, who still like to get out and ride.” The Pedal America broadcast will have both closed captioning and video description. “It’s all about making cycling as an all-inclusive activity,” says Ira, “and inspiring people to live healthier, happier lives.”

To learn more, visit www.pedalamerica.tv.