More than 650 riders and volunteers helped make the 9th Annual Ride for AutismSM Charity Bicycle Tour and wonderful success on June 13. The annual bike charity tour raised $50,000 for Autism New Jersey, New Jersey's leading information and advocacy organization for the autism community since 1965. Riders helped to promote autism awareness during the day of cycling that stretched throughout central New Jersey.

As one of the only autism bicycle tours in the country, the Ride for AutismSM fosters the community's understanding about autism, a lifelong developmental disability that affects 1 in 94 New Jersey children and 1 in 150 children nationally.

"We are grateful for support from donors and corporate sponsors, including our presenting sponsor, RESET, an ICAP group company,'' said Ride Director Andy Abere, a Middlesex County resident whose son has autism. "'While giving is down from prior years, their support allowed us to make this year's event happen, which, along with our record turnout, helped us to continue to raise awareness about autism in the general community. It is very heartwarming to know that people are willing to support organizations such as Autism New Jersey, either with their money or their time." Platinum Sponsors included Knapps Cyclery in Lawrenceville, NJ 101.5 and the Jersey Shore Touring Society.

"Community support is essential for organizations like ours that serve the autism community," remarked Linda Meyer, Autism New Jersey Executive Director. "Year after year, the Ride for AutismSM, has demonstrated a tremendous dedication to this agency, for which we are most grateful, especially during these fiscally austere times."