Zach Rides in Paradise

We’re making a documentary on Zachary Manago.

In 2010, he was a baseball player for Hawaii Pacific University, and an avid cyclist. He wrote an essay on the need for protected bike lanes and safer riding conditions in his home state. That very month, he was struck and killed by a motorist while on a ride with a group of friends.

His story got the attention of local advocates and lawmakers, and lead to legislation, ordinances and improvements in infrastructure that’s brought Hawaii from being one of the least safe states in the US for cyclists, to being in the middle of the pack, nationally.

Among other things, this documentary will reiterate the consequences of unsafe driving and will generate a groundswell of demand for safer, more complete streets for those who walk and bike.

What we need
Much of the documentary has been filmed, and we now have a rough cut. There’s still more filming that needs to be done, and we’re raising funds to cover costs associate with the completion, marketing and distribution of the film. If you have an interest in advocacy for bicycle & pedestrian safety, we’re asking for financial contributions to cover these costs. Donations may come with a tax deduction, as this project is fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization.

Contributions can be made through Northwest Film Forum via this link by selecting Zach Rides in Paradise from the ‘Select my Designation’ drop-down menu, or via this PayPal link.

Other giving options include check (including checks from donor advised funds), or ACH. If you prefer one of these methods, please coordinate with me beforehand, as there are steps I’d have to take to ensure it gets to the right place. Employee Matching via Benevity is also an option.

If you have any questions about this project or how to contribute, please reach out. I’d love to connect with you!

Thank you,
-Samuel Ebat (Director)