The Green Journey Across America Pedals into Chicago

Megan Routbort and Thomas Polo of the Green Journey are making a cross-country journey on solar-powered bikes. They recently stopped in Chicago for a panel discussion about their journey and how solar energy and biking can be climate solutions. (Photo via Kevin Borgia)

If you spotted some interesting-looking bicycles through Illinois recently, you may have seen Megan Routbort and Thomas Polo, co-founders of The Green Journey as they pedaled into Chicago as a part of a 20-state, cross-country, 4,000-plus mile biking trip using two 200-watt solar powered bicycles. The Green Journey began in Berkeley, California and will end in New York City. 

During Polo and Megan’s stop in Chicago, they visited Kozy’s Cyclery in River North for a Panel Discussion with Kevin Borgia, Vice President of External Affairs & Policy at SunVest and a solar and bike advocate. They discussed how solar energy, which Polo and Megan are using on their cycling journey across the country, can be a major climate solution. 

Kevin Borgia, left, leads a panel discussion with Megan Routbort and Thomas Polo, who are on a cross-country "Green Journey" on solar-powered bikes. (Photo via Kevin Borgia)

“Through this trip, we want to get people thinking about the possibilities of solar,” Polo says. “By seeing us riding our solar-powered bicycles, maybe someone will be so intrigued they want to research how they could adapt solar into their own life, whether through their house, business, school, public buildings, or even modes of travel.” 

The bikes use solar panels and e-assist to both move faster and go further. Even after the sun sets, the bikes can use stored power absorbed during the day to further propel them.

Some of Polo and Megan’s goals through this trip are to encourage more people to go solar, vote in favor of solar power and renewable energy initiatives, and in general to bike more! The Green Journey is a steward in climate expeditions and along their way are continuing to spread the message across the country. In addition to their ride, Megan and Polo are organizing community rides and events to talk about their trip at stops along the way.

Megan Routbort and Thomas Polo, co-founders of The Green Journey, are riding solar-powered bikes across the country. (Photo via Kevin Borgia)

"I was thrilled to welcome Polo and Megan to Chicago as part of their journey,” Borgia said. “We need trailblazers like them to raise awareness and educate people who might not otherwise have the chance to learn about the capabilities and benefits of solar energy." 

If you’d like to follow along on The Green Journey, visit thegreenjourney.org.