What is the Repro Ride?

When we pedal a bike, whether grinding up a relentless grade or flying down so fast your cheeks ripple, we are empowered and free to determine the route. We believe that the course of one’s own life should be the same way; empowered and free.

That all starts with the fundamental belief that every human being should have autonomy over their body, to create the life and pedal the path they choose.

About the Organizers

The event organizers are a group of friends and enthusiastic riders from Pomfret: Jordana “Jordie” Jusidman, Leah Skypeck, and Sarah Lauridsen, as well as a larger group of local volunteers.

On a drive to work last June, Leah listened to a radio segment about a community activist and the ways she stays motivated during time in this world that seems a bit overwhelming and perhaps a tad depressing. She encouraged listeners to take things that bring us joy, and turn them into opportunities to make a difference. Wondering how this could apply to Leah and her life and community, she called up Jordie and pitched the idea of a community bike ride to support an issue that at the moment feels deeply personal as a woman, healthcare provider, and mother; reproductive rights. From that phone call on a commute to work, they created “The Repro Ride.”

Our Goal/Mission

Our main objective is to raise awareness and generate support for Vermont’s Reproductive Liberty Amendment, previously Prop 5, now a ballot measure in Vermont’s 2022 General Election. If passed, it would amend Vermont’s constitution to protect every person’s right to make their own reproductive decisions, like whether and when to become pregnant, use temporary or permanent birth control, or seek abortion care.

This event will bring the community together to put our bodies in motion as a symbol of empowerment and self-determination. We want to demonstrate bodily autonomy through the freedom that comes from pedaling a bike and foster the conversation about how reproductive freedom is central to the liberty and dignity to determine one’s own life course. Perhaps that mission will feel applicable in some manner next year. If so, we may try to do this again!

For this year, all proceeds will go directly to the Vermont Reproductive Liberty Ballot Committee, which is led by Planned Parenthood Vermont Action Fund, ACLU of Vermont, Alliance for a Better Vermont, and the League of Women Voters of Vermont.