10. Vote for League Board Members
You’ve already joined the League, perhaps you’ve donated to help our cause. Now, vote for our future! All individual and family members are welcome to vote – just click here to log in, and have your voice heard. Our board members are working for cyclists all the time: From Region 5 Board Member Harry Brull: “Last week, I met with members of South Central Racing in Salida, Colo. planning a response to a letter to the editor which lashed out at bicyclists and strongly stated we had no right to be on the road. The letter is sparking a campaign to encourage safe and courteous biking and educate motorists to do the same.”
9. Join Us At Our Annual Rally
The Maine Bike Rally, July 11-13 in Fryeburg, Maine, is going to be a highlight of the cycling calendar for hundreds of League members. Meet up with fellow advocates while enjoying the gorgeous weather and scenery, and learn more about the incredible work of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. Mark your calendar today, and check back soon to our Web site for registration details.
8. Buy a League Jersey
Stand out on your ride, stand up for cycling, and be one of the best-dressed cyclists in your area: All thanks to the new Voler-designed League cycling jersey. Click here to buy one today. (And if you need a new helmet to match, consider one of Trek’s extensive range: each one sold supports the League’s Bicycle Friendly Community program).
7. Volunteer Locally
Volunteer to help out your nearby advocacy group or your local cycling club: those newsletters don’t get written by magic, you know! First join your state and local groups, then see how you can help them out. Enter your zip code to find your local group.
6. Become a League Cycling Instructor
The League’s new education director, Preston Tyree, is energizing the program with updated materials, more LCIs, and new partners – including your local bike shop, if they are a member of the National Bicycle Dealers Association. Help people in your city learn to ride, and share the joy of bicycling. Click here for a list of classes and to see what it takes to earn those LCI stripes.
5. Organize a Local Bike Summit
From the successful Boston Bikes Summit to the popular Lexington, Ky. Bike Summit, communities across the country are being galvanized by the League’s Bicycle Friendly Community program. With help from generous grants from Trek Bicycles, Bikes Belong, and REI, the Bicycle Friendly Community program is generating interest, excitement, and an ever-increasing number of local bike summits. Roanoke, Va. is hosting its first BFC workshop on Jan. 8!
4. Attend the National Bike Summit
The key event on any cyclist’s calendar, the National Bike Summit in 2008 is all about gearing up for the next Transportation Bill and convincing Congress to take bicycling a little more seriously in the war on obesity/climate change/congestion/energy dependence. Read how one of our cycling champions, Rep. Earl Blumenauer, really does walk the talk. And register today for the Summit.
3. Speak Up for Cyclists
Write your representatives in Congress, or visit your local town hall for a city council meeting, and speak up for cyclists’ rights. Click here and enter your zip code to find out who your representatives are, and how to contact them. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is working on a resolution to present this Thursday night at both party caucuses. It reads: "Resolved, we believe cyclists, vehicle operators, transportation engineers and elected officials should work together to make roadways safe, reliable, and maintained for all users; We believe organized bicycle rides should not be denied access to Iowa’s roadways by local government; We believe cyclists are entitled to equal protection and their access to the judicial system should not be uniformly denied; We believe government should address the real killer of bicyclists: irresponsible, distracted motorized drivers. Be it further resolved, that we support additional transportation safety education and awareness; We support additional encouragement of bicycling across Iowa; We support additional investments in shared road designs and maintenance; We support additional funding for separated trails." New Hampshire readers: See how you can help protect NH bicyclists…
2. Continue to Support the League
In 2008, the League has ambitious plans to continue to promote and protect the rights of cyclists; to expand the Bicycle Friendly Community program; to work with federal, state and local agencies to defend and grow cyclists’ rights; to educate cyclists around the country on riding techniques; and to improve our communications with you. Thank you for continuing your generous support of the League.
1. RIDE!
Seriously. There’s no better way to improve the lot of bicyclists than to simply get out and ride, for whatever reason motivates you. Heck, you don’t even need a reason. The more people see us out on the road, the more natural our presence becomes. We're off to enjoy a ride right now ... See you in 2008!