Got a Bicycle? Want to ride for a good cause? Youre in luck. Traders spoke with Bryan Harkins, EVP & Head of U.S. markets for BATS Global Markets, about the inaugural Wall Street Rides FAR cycling event. It takes place on October 10 at Manhattanville College just north of New York City and the proceeds will fund autism research.
Traders: Tell us about Wall Street Rides FAR.
Bryan Harkins: The inaugural Wall Street Rides For Autism Research will bring the Wall Street community of traders, brokers, vendors, exchanges and others together for a fun cycling event to benefit the Autism Science Foundation. Many companies have already started cycling teams to build a sense of camaraderie, to encourage fund raising and to inspire their colleagues to get into cycling shape to gear up for this event.
It will take place on Saturday, October 10th at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. Its in Westchester County and is less than an hour north of Manhattan.
Traders: How did you become involved with an autism charity?
Harkins: I have seen the challenges that it poses to families who have to care for children on the spectrum. Being a parent is, of course, hard enough, but for families with special needs children, lifes entire focus shifts to providing a better quality of life and hope for those special needs.
Its a real head scratcher. We dont [fully understand the] genetic component to autism and many scientists and researchers have theories on this matter. The spectrum can be very wide. For some it is social personality issue and in other cases its more severe where children cannot communicate.
While it can be quite heartbreaking and pose hardships and great financial challenges for families, you can find a lot of inspiration from the great dedication and hope that drive these families. That drive and hope are what caused me to want to get involved.
Traders: How did you organize this event?
Harkins: First, I started with my network of folks. I have been in the business for almost 17 years and I know thousands of people in this industry very well. Second, this is a cause I feel very strongly about, and one that frankly needs to get more attention for the reasons I described. We need to search for more answers.
Traders: Tell us about Autism Science Research.
Harkins: Their mission is to fund research grants for scientists who are committed to the field of autism research. They have a board of scientists who interview both up-and-coming and established scientists. The whole goal of the Autism Science Foundation is to fund the best minds and bring them into the field. In short, we believe that hope lies in science.
Traders: Why a bike-a-thon? Wouldnt a fancy dinner be easier?
Harkins: I have my network of people and I said let’s do something that is fun and creative. A lot of folks runs 5Ks, some people do golf outings, some do more formal events at Ciprianis where you buy tables for dinners. Those are all great things but many people in our business are into fitness. My wife, who is a former Wall Streeter herself, and I love to cycle, we have done a number of triathlons – we even got married at one – and I know there are a lot of bikers and cyclists in the Wall Street industry.
I realize that when you do a bike outing not everyone is a cyclist and that we might lose some people. So we designed the event where you dont need to be a cycling nut or avid cycler to take part.
We have a 62 mile course for the avid cycler and an intermediate course that is 35 miles long — if youre in reasonable shape and like to stay active anyone can do that. Theres also a family friendly route that is about 15 miles long. Literally anyone can do that. People can even a rent a bike at our event or they could just come out to volunteer and have fun.
Traders: What has the response been from the financial industry?
Harkins: Fantastic. On our supporters page there has been a great outpouring of corporate support. When I started soliciting corporate sponsorship it was the springtime and many budgets were already filled. Despite that, this is an impressive list of names and I think next year it will be an even more impressive list for 2016. The goal is to grow the event every year.
Our industry can take a beating especially in a presidential season where theres a lot of talk about reining in Wall Street. That rhetoric is always there but I am proud that this is a charitable industry. We are lucky enough where people make a good living and are given great opportunties. It is amazing to see that all of our colleagues in the industry realize that and feel a sense of obligation to give back and help a good cause. I am incredibly grateful for the support thus far.
Id like to add that this is not a race, its a ride. Its about coming together to support a good cause. People can meet scientists and doctors who work with people with autism and they can ask questions. People can network with others in their industry. Also, there will be a picnic with good food and music. We want this to be fun for everyone involved.
What?
Wall Street Rides FAR, a bike ride to benefit the Autism Science Foundation (www.autismsciencefoundation.org).
When?
Saturday, October 10th, 2015.
Where?
Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY. Conveniently located under an hour north of Manhattan and easily accessible by major arteries – I-95, I-287, I-684 along with Metro North. There were will also be shuttle buses taking people to and from Manhattan before and after the event.
How do I or my firm sign up?
Go to www.wallstreetridesfar.org to register
or email Bryan Harkins directly at bharkins@bats.com.
