Born and raised in New York City, and an avid cyclist for 28 years, Ira David Levy created and organized the 9-11 NY Education Ride - a 70-day, 4486-mile bicycle trek across the United States to raise college funds for children who lost parents in the September 11th terrorist attacks. (www.911nyeduride.org). All proceeds went to the Twin Towers Orphan Fund. He was also the first cross-country cyclist who pedaled to the United Airlines Flt. 93 Memorial.

He spent seven years pedaling his bike for Breast Cancer, AIDS, and other charitable causes, including Pallotta Teamworks’ Tanqueray’s American AIDS Rides, AVON Three-Day, and Vaccine Rides. In 1996, 1997, and 1998 he biked from Minneapolis to Chicago; in 2000 he pedaled 525 miles across Alaska; and in 2001 he rode 575 miles across Montana. In July 2008 he pedaled 530 miles from Missoula, Montana to Banff/Lake Louise, Canada.

In the mid-1980’s he worked in radio and television in Upstate NY, and at CNN, in Atlanta. He holds a Masters Degree from DePaul University and has published numerous local, regional and national articles on outdoor activity.

Since 1995 he has worked as an Assistant Professor of Journalism at Wright College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, where he advises The Wright Times - the nationally recognized and award-winning student news organization. Between 2005-2009 he served on the Board of Directors of College Media Advisers (CMA). In 2003 CMA awarded him “Adviser of the Year” at the National Collegiate Press convention, in Orlando, Fla.

Ira David’s strong background in bicycling, fundraising, and journalism practically makes the birth of Pedal America an immaculate conception.

He lives in Chicago.