From Ira David
Whether you're a fan, or potential sponsor or underwriter of Pedal America, thank you for visiting our website.
An avid cyclist for more than 35 years, I pedaled 4,486 miles across the United States in 2002 to raise college funds for children who lost parents in the September 11 terrorist attacks. I'm born and raised in New York City so organizing that bicycling event made the most sense for me. Every cent my small team raised went directly to the Twin Towers Orphan Fund.
My bike has taken me from Minneapolis to Chicago; across Alaska; from Missoula, Montana to Banff-Lake Louise, Canada; from Albuquerque to the Grand Canyon; and, three separate trips across Colorado.
After working at CNN, in Atlanta (I refuse to age myself by telling you when), I earned a Masters Degree in Writing from DePaul University and have published numerous local, regional and national articles on outdoor activity.
Between 1995 and 2011 I worked as an assistant professor of journalism and media studies at Wright College, in Chicago before directing student-run media at Appalachian State and Kansas State universities. I genuinely love sharing my expertise with students aspiring to work in media and making a difference in their lives.
Pedal America is produced by Ira David Productions, (DBA Out-Write Media) and my nonprofit organization, Pedal4Life.
P4L produces public television programming and gives back to the community. We work with drug treatment centers and use bicycling events and programs to help people recovering from opioid addiction avoid relapse and live healthy, productive lives. We also offer them paid internships with the show. To learn more, please visit
I’m a certified League of American Bicyclists League Cycling Instructor.
I love to cook, always miss New York City, and am a devoted fan of my Mets, Jets, and Yankees (yes).
I live in Chicago with my family and a cockatiel named Papuga (Polish for parrot).