Schwinn auctioning Pride-themed bikes for LGBTQ+ organization

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Madison-headquartered bicycle company Schwinn is celebrating Pride Month by auctioning off two, one-of-a-kind bikes that were designed by artists in the LGBTQ+ community.

The bikes are a part of Schwinn’s first ever Pride Artist Series for the month of June.

One of the bikes is a classic stingray, designed by Madison artist, Rae Senarighi. His design focuses on trans rights and reminding others to love themselves and lift others up.

“This to me is a labor of love not only for my community but also for everyone to see we’re all human and we all need to experience the same rights and freedoms,” said Senarighi.

Senarighi has worked with brands like Netflix, Nike and GLAAD. He has gained recognition for his “You Are Loved” billboards, which have been seen in more than 200 locations across the U.S.

“I want to do as much good as I can with the tools that I have and that’s what I talk about a lot of times with people. Whatever skills you have to bring to the table, bring them. For me that’s art and so it makes sense for me to paint a bike. For someone else that might mean doing something completely different, but we all just are trying to make the world a better place,” said Senarighi.

The other is an electric bike, designed by Portland artist, Lisa Congdon. Her design focuses on the love, diversity and joy within the LGBTQ+ community. Congdon has created art for Target, Google, Human Rights Campaign, and The United Nations.

“It’s really exciting to see these come to fruition and just how beautiful they are. I would love to do these more in the future, because Schwinn is all about all riders welcome,” said Brianna Purvis, the Brand Marketing Manager for Schwinn.

All the proceeds from the online auction, which will wrap up at the end of June, will be donated to The Venture Out Project. The goal is $15,000 with more than $3,500 raised as of Wednesday.

That organization empowers LGBTQ+ youth and adults through outdoor adventure and physical activity.

“It could be bicycling trips, it could be white water rafting, it could be hiking, it’s all about being out there, having fun, being safe and being in a community where you’re supported,” said Purvis.

Senarighi said as a trans person and a father who enjoys biking with his children, supporting inclusivity in athletics is important to him.

“With everything that’s been going on with specifically trans youth in sports and the restriction of that throughout the country by legislators, for me it’s really important that everyone gets to participate in sports. Sports are so important to not only our physical well-being and health but also like that mental health piece,” said Senarighi.

Copyright 2022 WMTV. All rights reserved.