At the League, we’re proud to work alongside partners who are helping make biking a lifelong skill starting at an early age. As part of our Ready to Ride campaign, we’re highlighting organizations that are expanding access to high-quality cycling education and empowering the next generation of riders. In this Partner Spotlight, we’re excited to feature All Kids Bike and the impact their in-school learn-to-ride program is having in communities across the country.

What is All Kids Bike

All Kids Bike (AKB) was launched in 2018 under the Strider Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a mission to “give every kindergarten student in America the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike in physical education class (PE).” Since then, the kindergarten program has been implemented in over 1,700 elementary schools across the nation, including the entire state of North Dakota.

The League applauds the efforts of All Kids Bike as well as the many other in-school on-bike programs run through organizations like Safe Routes to School and local bike advocacy groups.

These groups are providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to ride safely for a lifetime. The League works to encourage cycling education for all ages (we have a new K-5 curriculum coming out in 2026 as part of our Ready to Ride Campaign), so it is with great excitement that we spotlight All Kids Bike. 

How It Works

All Kids Bike is a comprehensive, ready-to-teach, school-based, on-bike learn-to-ride program for kindergarten students. AKB was designed to be taught by the physical education (PE) teacher during regular class periods and is integrated directly into the school’s PE curriculum. 

Participating schools receive everything they need to start an on-bike program for their kindergarten students. Teachers are provided with balance bike method education training and certification, along with All Kids Bike’s 8-lesson SHAPE standards-aligned curriculum, which provides them with a progressive map on how to get kids rolling in no time. 

In addition to receiving the necessary teacher development and learning materials, schools receive all the essential learn-to-ride equipment. AKB provides schools with a fleet of 24  “Strider balance-to-pedal bikes, pedal conversion kits, fully adjustable student helmets, and one adult instructor bike with pedal conversion kit and helmet.” Schools are also provided with storage racks to keep everything organized and easily accessible. Last but not least, every AKB participating school has access to program support provided by the AKB team. 

All Kids Bike In Action

Since December 2021, All Kids Bike has programs operating in all 50 states. Around 1,750 AKB programs provide on-bike instruction to nearly 170,000 kindergartners.  

One shining example of All Kids Bike in action is North Dakota’s statewide implementation of AKB, making it possible for every kindergartner in the state to have the opportunity to learn to ride. In 2023, using COVID relief funding from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER), North Dakota decided to ensure every kindergartner in the state has the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike in school. In 2024, over 22,000 kindergartners learned to ride in over 223 schools. This investment helps ensure generations of future North Dakotans not only learn to ride, but also receive all the benefits of cycling, hopefully for a lifetime. 

Another state partnering with All Kids Bike to provide on-bike education in schools is Arkansas. In 2023, a collaboration between the Arkansas Department of Education, BNSF Railway Foundation, the Walton Family, and Trailblazers provided All Kids Bike programming to 12 elementary schools in the state. The Natural State now has more than 100 AKB learn-to-ride programs, teaching more than 10,000 kindergartners how to ride safely each year. 

What Makes AKB Unique?

All Kids Bike is a “one-stop shop” in-school on-bike education program available to any elementary school in all 50 states. The All Kids Bike program, with a $9,000 cost, is a turnkey, plug-and-play solution that provides schools with a complete on-bike education experience. For many schools, donor investments remove financial barriers, allowing schools with a dedicated physical education instructor to seamlessly implement lifesaving on-bike education for their students.

Conclusion

While there is no one-size-fits-all method to providing all students with school-based on-bike education, All Kids Bike provides a great option for any elementary school to get rolling. The more schools teaching kids how to ride, the safer, healthier, and better connected we all will be. School-based cycling programs not only improve students’ well-being and academic achievement, but they help young people develop a sense of autonomy, providing a vehicle to connect and explore their community, building lifelong healthy habits along the way. When all kids are Ready to Ride, we all win. 

The post Partner Spotlight: All Kids Bike appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

The League of American Bicyclists is pleased to announce that applications are now open for a new training program for emerging and aspiring Bicycle Friendly Communities: the Active Mobility Leadership Lab! 

Generously funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in support of their Active People, Healthy Nation℠ Initiative, the Active Mobility Leadership Lab is designed to support local government agency staff in emerging and aspiring Bicycle Friendly Communities to build capacity around strategies to promote active mobility and physical activity. 

During this 16-week training program, the League will work closely with dedicated communities through a new learning curriculum informed and inspired by the Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) program. Participants will focus on developing an Active Mobility Action Plan based on their community’s goals and needs, and will be given the tools to implement their action plans. 

Are you ready to take your community to the next BFC level? Local, county, or regional government employees or individuals associated with such agencies may apply. Candidates based in communities that are early in the process of becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community will be prioritized in the selection process. This could include candidates who have either never applied to the BFC program, or have applied but received No Award, Honorable Mention, or Bronze. Applications are due Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. E.T. 

• Learn more about the Active Mobility Leadership Lab here.
• Find our training program FAQs here.

Apply here!

This training is made possible by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Cooperative Agreement CDC-RFA-PW-24-0080). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC. These efforts are part of the CDC’s Active People, Healthy Nation℠ Initiative that is working to help 27 million Americans become more physically active by 2027.

The post Applications now open for the first-ever Active Mobility Leadership Lab appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program has been a popular and successful program since its creation in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Through four years of its initial five-year authorization, the SS4A program has provided more than 2,300 grants to all 50 states and Puerto Rico worth $3.9 Billion. On December 23, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the 521 awards being made for SS4A grants for 2025 applications. 

One year remains for this $5 billion program as Congress looks forward to a new transportation bill as SS4A, and all federal transportation programs, are authorized through 2026. The timing and specifics of the 2026 round has not yet been announced. Interested communities should subscribe for email updates.

The 2025 round of SS4A was the first round administered by the Trump administration. While there have been worrying signs about whether bicycle safety is truly a priority, from the purge of websites to reviews and modifications of previous grants, many of the largest grants awarded in the 2025 SS4A round were to Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFCs) and included bicycle infrastructure. This is especially notable as there were so many applications that rejection letters stated that 75% of applications were not selected for funding.

Out of 25 grants receiving $10 million or more in federal funds, ten were awarded to BFCs or counties that include BFCs, including the following awards:

• Phoenix, Arizona (a Bronze BFC) will receive $24.2 million in federal funds for safety upgrades at high-injury intersections and corridors, including piloting protected bike lanes in Phoenix Connected Active Neighborhood villages.
• Wichita, Kansas (a Bronze BFC) received $20 million in federal funds for multimodal safety improvements along a 7-mile stretch of Broadway Avenue, including buffered bike lanes.
• Leon County, Florida which contains Tallahassee (a Silver BFC) will receive $16.8 million in federal funds for corridor-wide safety improvements along a 7-mile stretch of North Monroe Street, including filling in bike lane gaps. The project description noted that 8 out the 10 fatalities that occurred between 2018 and 2022 on this corridor were people biking or walking.
• Ridgeland, Mississippi (a Bronze BFC) will receive $15.7 million in federal funds for a reconfiguration of West Jackson Street that will include upgraded pedestrian and bicyclist facilities, including adding dedicated bike lanes and studying a speed limit reduction.
• Gallatin County, Montana which contains Bozeman (a Silver BFC) will receive $13.9 million in federal funds to construct a roundabout and build a 1.75 mile shared-use path along Huffine Lane. The project description noted that a pedestrian and bicyclist were killed on Huffine Lane, a 55 mph road, in 2022.
• Omaha, Nebraska (a Bronze BFC) will receive $10 million in federal funds to construct three roundabouts and conduct demonstration activities for quick-build infrastructure using delineators, median islands, and mini-roundabouts. While bicycle infrastructure was not described in the project description, many of the quick-build infrastructure features can contribute to safer neighborhood routes that are useful as bicycle routes.

We’ll be taking a closer look at SS4A awards and look forward to working with communities and advocates interested in this funding as the year continues, but it is great to see that Bicycle Friendly Communities benefited from many of the largest SS4A awards in 2025.

The post Big Safe Streets Awards for Bicycle Friendly Communities appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

At the heart of the League’s Smart Cycling program is a mission to empower people through bike education. That mission comes to life through our network of 7,000+ League Cycling Instructors (LCIs): certified instructors in communities across the country who teach Smart Cycling classes and help people feel safer and more confident on their bikes.

But have you ever wondered who trains those instructors? That job falls to a small but mighty group of experts who lead our LCI certification seminars and help keep bike education high-quality and consistent wherever you take a class. These leaders are our League Cycling Coaches.

Becoming a Coach isn’t easy, and that’s by design. It takes years of experience teaching as an LCI, proven bike maintenance skills, active community involvement, and recommendations from experienced Coaches and League staff. That’s why we’re especially excited to welcome two new Coaches to the team: Wisconsin Bike Fed‘s education power duo, Jake Newborn and Michael Anderson.

Left: Jake Newborn; Right: Michael Anderson at an LCI seminar in Las Cruces, NM

Can you share a bit about your roles at Wisconsin Bike Fed and what led you to pursue becoming a League Cycling Coach?

Jake: Currently, I am Assistant Director but I have been at Bike Fed since 2007. In those early days, I was a part-time mechanic working with a teen to repair bikes at Valid Bike Shop located in North Division High School. Over the years, I have been involved in just about every aspect of the organization. With my position and long-time commitment to our mission of making Wisconsin the most bike-friendly state, the logical next step led me to pursue becoming a League Cycling Coach. We have a grant through WisDOT to provide bike education resources and training to residents. By becoming a Coach, it allows us as an organization to be able to grow the movement and expand the network of LCIs and educators across the state. 

Michael: I serve as our Youth Program Manager in Milwaukee. My story with the Bike Fed began in 2015, volunteering and later working for a neighborhood active transportation program serving Milwaukee’s Riverwest and Harambee community.  These neighborhoods have a robust and grassroots bicycle culture. In this contex, I grew to serve in other roles with the organization from pedestrian advocacy, complete streets implementation, and ultimately leading Safe Routes to School efforts in Milwaukee Public Schools since 2019. My pursuit of becoming a League Cycling Coach has been centered around growing a network of cycling leaders who are ready to support Safe Routes to School Initiatives both internally at the Bike Fed but also with partners to magnify our community capacity. 

What was the most valuable thing you took away from the Coach training process?

Jake: As part of the process, I had to observe two other coaches before co-leading our own with Michael under the watchful eye of longtime Coach John Rider. Just having the opportunity to watch and learn from Jamie and Neal teach their seminars and work closely with the students gave me a great opportunity to refresh my skills and learn from others. 

Michael: The relationships and people were a great part of the Coach training process! I was fortunate to have two phenomenal coaches in Río Oxas and Jamie Gaskill to train with, as well as incredible site facilitators. They all really set an incredible example and standard to meet while cultivating a supportive learning environment.  I was also grateful to all of the quality LCI candidates in both seminars who were already doing great work in their communities from Las Cruces to Oakland. Observing how other Coaches valued the assets that people were bringing to the classroom gave me great insight into how to assess and mentor Milwaukee’s bike leaders and LCI candidates. 

What difference do you hope having two League Cycling Coaches on staff will make for Wisconsin Bike Fed?

Jake and Michael: Having two of us will allow us to lean on each other’s strengths.  We’ve supported each other through training this past year and for plan on teaching future LCI seminars together. It’s always good to have some depth on the team! We often team and co-teach in our programs, so it makes sense to have a team in this context as trainers, especially as it is something we expect of LCI Candidates. 

What do you hope this growing network of LCIs will mean for communities across Wisconsin?

Jake: As a statewide organization, we have honestly struggled over the years to find ways to engage our entire state in the education goals. Cost, travel, funding, etc., are challenges to reaching all corners from our home base in Milwaukee. The ability to train local cycling education champions to provide that reach, leaning on local knowledge and resources, is a great and efficient way for Bike Fed to support our partners, residents, and more all across the state without having staff on the ground in every city. 

Michael: I agree with Jake’s sentiments. Ultimately, our goal is to empower and invite people into the work of making Wisconsin safer and more accessible for people biking. We can’t grow ridership alone, and a growing network of LCIs means more people ready to lead and launch new mobility initiatives.  

Do you have a favorite local bike route or hidden gem in the state?

Jake: A local Milwaukee route I love is a new raised and protected bike lane along Howard Ave. It was a project that started when my daughter was at that school, but has taken years to advocate, plan, and finally complete, but now young kids have a safe and separated route directly to the school in the neighborhood! Statewide, the US Bike Route 30 was a big project the Bike Fed worked on with many partners that takes you from the Port of Milwaukee all the way to the Mississippi River, mostly on trail!

Michael: Three Bridges Park and the Menomonee River segments of the Hank Aaron State Trail are magical segments of trail, which happen to be on my commute and also along US Bike Route 30!  They provide both meaningful transportation, linking neighborhoods separated by the river valley, but also provide a connection to nature with beavers, turkey, and deer directly in the center of Milwaukee. Once a vast wild rice marsh, through the valley this trail connects Milwaukee’s indigenous roots with the active presence of the Potawatomi tribe who have been big supporters of our efforts over the years.  Additionally, it speaks to how Milwaukee is confronting its industrial legacy by being a national leader in restoration and freshwater advocacy. At the end of Three Bridges is the Mitchell Park Domes Conservatory; I often stop to relax in the tropical and desert domes on a chilly fall or spring day. I’m a big booster for getting a membership to your local Botanical Garden; they usually provide reciprocal entry to other gardens across the country and are often along great biking routes! When I was in the Bay Area training to be a coach, I used my membership to bike through the Golden Gate Park and check out their botanical garden. 

Anything you’d like other advocacy organizations to know about the value of having their own in-house Organizational Coaches?

Jake and Michael: The goal is to be able to build a network of trained educators across the state to grow the cycling movement and keep folks as safe as we can.  Having in-house Coaches helps us make the LCI seminar more accessible to people in Wisconsin by reducing traveling costs and other barriers to candidates. In our first seminar in Milwaukee, it already has helped in onboarding new employees.

The post Meet Wisconsin Bike Fed’s New League Cycling Coaches appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re celebrating the inspiring work accomplished by this year’s Community Spark Grant recipients. Each $2,000 microgrant is intended to spark change by supporting local projects that make bicycling safer, easier, and more accessible. Read through the highlights below to find out in the grantee’s own words just how big an impact these small investments can have!

Grantee Highlights

Redemptive Cycles — Kid’s Bike Rodeo Program (Birmingham, AL)

“The goal of this project is to get quality refurbished bikes into the hands of kids who have no bike. We specifically work within the Housing Authority of Birmingham District to target low income families that may be in need of bikes. The goal is to get these kids riding early, commuting safely, and hopefully sparking a lifelong love of cycling.” — Brian Gosdin, Redemptive Cycles

“This program is amazing! Biking is such a wonderful life skill! First, participants are provided access to free bikes and helmets that are fitted just for them! After a safety session to discuss the importance of wearing helmets and following the rules of the road, kids participate in a bike rodeo. Each station is led by experienced bikers to teach and practice a variety of riding skills. It is amazing to see the joy and growing confidence of each child as they go through the course.” — Julie Cole Farmer, MPH, BSN, RN, CPSTI — State Chapter Director, Think First Alabama

The LOVE Building — Youth Earn A Bike (Detroit, MI)
“The Youth Earn A Bike Program brought together three Detroit-based community organizations to serve over 60 youth this summer. Participants left with a solid foundation in basic bike safety and riding skills, along with hands-on knowledge of bike repair. Each youth received a refurbished bike, new helmet, free lunch, and a take-home workbook to continue learning in a fun and engaging way, ensuring the impact of the program extends well beyond the day.” — Mackenzie Rector, The LOVE Building

“What struck me most was seeing how the program embodied our shared vision of empowering Detroit’s youth through cycling. The confidence I witnessed in these young riders as they learned new skills and prepared for their summer adventures on two wheels is exactly why we do this work….Programs like Youth Earn A Bike don’t just teach kids new skills, they weave community fabric.” — Mark Speeks, Founder and Executive Director of Major Taylor Michigan

Fort Peck Tribal Elves — Bike Day (Fort Peck Indian Reservation)

“We did a Bike Day for Children in Poplar on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.  We had council members there to hear about what safety is needed, so kids can bike safely in town. All participants were enrolled members of the Fort Peck Tribes. There were many children who attended along with their families. We gave away bikes and had stickers and other little gifts for all the children. One child, who is in foster care, won a Frozen bike and was so excited! One girl who donated her [old] bike won a new bike. It was a good time for the community to enjoy time with their children, grandchildren, and family. It helped 87 kids get a new helmet and we have a few left over in case someone needs one.” — Sunee Erickson, Fort Peck Tribal Elves

Thrive MV — Pedal Forward (Mahoning Valley, OH)

“The goal of our project is to increase access to independent transportation for adults in the Mahoning Valley. Our program was designed to fill gaps in our local transportation infrastructure so that more individuals could have direct access to sustainable means of transportation for work, school, doctor appointments, etc. Through our transportation equity program, we allocated 31 bikes (approx. 44% of bikes allocated YTD in 2025) to adults facing transportation challenges across Mahoning and Trumbull counties between March and July. Each bike recipient received a bike appropriate for their height/needs, a helmet, a lock, and important safety and maintenance information/resources. With direct access to independent transportation, recipients have more freedom in the way they get around the community to conduct their personal, educational, and professional business.” 

“Having a bike is like having a game-changing support. It saves me a lot of time moving around campus for classes. Besides, it excites me to enjoy the breeze while riding. Thanks to the bike I was provided with, I can go home earlier and I can forget those exhausting days of walking or running if I am late for school.” — Bao Khanh Lee, Pedal Forward bike recipient

Equiticity — Community Bike Rides (Chicago, IL)
“The goal of our project was to expose more people of Chicago to the joy-filled, health improving, community building, and quality of life improving experiences community bike rides bring people. We planned on executing this by expanding Equiticity’s work of our Community Mobility Rituals pillar through hosting community bike rides on the South side of Chicago, specifically the Bronzeville community. We wanted to show people the beauty and enjoyment of their neighborhoods through bikes while showing them how to do it safely. This activity also encouraged participants to prioritize the improvement of their physical and mental health through biking.”

“It was just such a great time, I met so many different kinds of people. It was a nice way to get in some cardio and spread community love. It was a lot of greeting people on the sidewalk while we were passing, connecting [with] the community, and also marking temporary and spatially different things that happened in the community. [Seeing] different murals, different artworks, and important historical events that happened to real people in this community… is a way to feel more connected with the past and the present… I just really enjoyed that ride and I can’t wait to get back out here when it gets warmer!” — Soyinka Brown, Equiticity Community Bike Ride participant

All Bodies on Bikes — Industry Training for Size Inclusion
“The goal of this project is to equip bike industry employees with the knowledge and tools needed to better serve cyclists in larger bodies. By providing in-person size-inclusion trainings, the project aims to reduce systemic barriers, improve customer experiences, and create more welcoming bike shops and industry spaces. Ultimately, the goal is to make cycling more accessible and inclusive for people of all sizes. Through this project, All Bodies on Bikes successfully delivered size-inclusion training that increased awareness, shifted attitudes, and gave industry professionals concrete strategies to better support larger-bodied cyclists. Participants reported feeling more confident and prepared to create inclusive environments in their shops and organizations. These trainings contributed to a broader cultural shift within the cycling community, helping foster more equitable and welcoming spaces nationwide.”

One participant, a local mountain bike guide and ride leader, said, “This presentation was incredibly well done, and presented a sensitive topic in an approachable way. I’m excited to implement the things I’ve learned, especially how to talk to customers about weight limits and suspension setup, and hopefully be able to better serve all of my customers.” 

2026 Spark Grants Are Open

Feeling inspired yet? Good news: the 2026 Community Spark Grant application is now open! Nonprofits and public agencies nationwide can apply for $2,000 awards to support pilot projects that improve access, safety, and inclusion in bicycling. Five of the ten grants are reserved for organizations in GM communities, and we strongly encourage eligible groups to apply.

Learn more and apply here by January 27, 2026 at 5 pm ET »

Thank You for a Year of Sparking Change 

Every year, Community Spark Grant projects remind us of the dedication, compassion, and creativity of local groups. Every project sparked change differently, but they all made a difference in their own way: igniting bike joy, fostering community, spreading awareness, improving safety, and breaking down barriers to mobility challenges. Here’s to another round of projects transforming communities across the country in 2026!

The post Small Grants, Big Impacts: 2025 Community Spark Grant Highlights appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

Originally posted in The Lime Times

Cities are embracing a new era of sustainable transportation across the U.S. Lime is proud to release the second annual mobility report with the League of American Bicyclists, analyzing more than 5 million trips across Baltimore, Nashville and Phoenix. This expanded report offers a deeper look at how people move through cities and how shared micromobility data can help create safer, more connected streets. The findings further support what we’ve seen globally: when communities build dedicated bike lanes and thoughtful, safe infrastructure, people choose micromobility.

Our three big takeaways 1. Riders prefer dedicated bike lanes

• In Baltimore, newly installed bike lanes were associated with a 207% increase in Lime trips on those streets compared to streets without dedicated bike infrastructure.
• In Nashville, streets with new bike lanes saw trips grow 39% faster than comparable streets without bike infrastructure.
• In Phoenix, ridership on protected lanes rose by 35% compared with baseline streets without dedicated infrastructure.

2. Infrastructure drives safety

Across all three cities, streets with dedicated bike infrastructure consistently had lower incident rates than those without. That underscores what many urban planners and riders already know: safer riding environments lead to safer riding.

3. Micromobility expands access to transit and connectivity

Lime effectively doubles the transit walkshed from 0.5 miles by walking alone to 1.1–1.3 miles using Lime. This significantly expands access to high-quality transit and provides connections for riders’ daily commutes.

“Like last year’s findings, the insights in this report help to demonstrate exactly why communities must continue to make these investments: we can see very clearly that building better infrastructure, and establishing policies to support that infrastructure, has real-world results in helping more people to safely make trips on two wheels.” – Bill Nesper, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists

What this means for cities

For cities across the U.S. looking to reduce congestion, improve safety and expand equitable transportation options, the data from Baltimore, Nashville and Phoenix offer a compelling story:

1. Invest in dedicated bike lanes: Ridership gains are substantial, and riders respond fast.
2. Prioritize safety: Dedicated space for bikes and micromobility reduces incident rates and builds confidence.
3. Boost transit access: Micromobility fills crucial “first mile/last mile” gaps, helping people move more freely.
4. Use data to guide investment: Lime’s global experience and analytics help cities pinpoint where new lanes and parking solutions deliver the greatest impact.

Transportation analytics leaders have also pointed out that micromobility and bike infrastructure can dramatically cut traffic volumes and reduce the time and economic value lost to congestion.

“Lime’s data provides cities with a powerful tool to strengthen transportation planning and Vision Zero efforts beyond what is possible using traditional bicycle trip counts. Our partnership with the League of American Bicyclists shows that when cities build dedicated bike lanes, ridership grows, safety improves, and riders from across the city benefit. We’re happy to collaborate with the cities we serve, sharing detailed, standardized data and planning support to help build safer, more connected streets for everyone.” — Brandon Haydu, Senior Program Manager, Transportation Policy & Analytics at Lime

How cities can lead the way

We’re sharing this report with transportation leaders, urban planners, policymakers and local advocates—anyone working to make cities safer, greener and more accessible. For those shaping city plans, preparing grant applications or exploring new infrastructure investments, the full report offers data that can help guide decisions.

We hope that the insights from Baltimore, Nashville and Phoenix inspire more cities to build on this momentum. When streets feel safe and welcoming, people choose to ride.

The post 2025 Mobility Insights Report: What 5 million Lime trips reveal about building better, safer streets appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

In the non-profit world, the end of the year means a lot of fundraising. But in terms of bike advocacy, “giving back” can mean so much more than just donating dollars. Here’s a quick run-down on the many ways you can give back to support bike advocacy, from local shops to national advocacy organizations like the League. 

#1: Donate your old bikes and spare parts to give your gear a second life. 

Local bike co-ops are the unsung heroes of bicycle access. Nonprofit bike shops across the country are constantly rolling miracles out the door, thanks to donated frames, spare parts, and all the old kids’ bikes that have been gathering dust until they’re wheeled into a community shop like the Charlotte Recyclery, Boise Bicycle Project, or WABA’s Gearin’ Up, to name a few (find more examples on our map!). 

From my own time at a bike collective, I swear: if you walk in with a box of assorted bike components to donate, someone (probably an overworked mechanic who’s been pawing through all the parts bins for that one specific piece) is going to light up like you just walked in with a puppy. Co-ops stretch every resource incredibly far, but they still need resources to stretch in the first place.

Check out our map to find bike co-ops near you!

#2: Give your business by shopping local 

Plenty of local bike shops do way more than fix flats and sell bikes. Many of the shops in our network are small businesses staffed by community members who advocate for bikes 24/7, whether they’re helping someone find the right bike or rallying a pack of cyclists to ride to a city council meeting.

One of the easiest ways to support these shops is to simply spend your money there. Instead of shopping online for your next gear splurge, take the time to head down to your favorite local bike shop and check out their inventory. Sure, the price tags might be a little bit higher, but it’s worth it to know that your dollars are going back into your community, supporting a group of local bike enthusiasts doing meaningful work to make biking better and more accessible. Plus, a bike shop visit gives you a chance to connect with shop employees (AKA your new best bike friends) who often have tons of insights on great places to ride nearby and tips on finding local groups to ride with. 

Check out our map to find bike shops, member organizations, and advocacy groups near you!

#3: Donate your time as a volunteer

For volunteer-run organizations that don’t really have a budget, volunteer time is just as valuable as dollars. If there’s no paid staff, your local bike organization absolutely depends on volunteers to keep programs running, plan events, write grants, show up at meetings—all of it. And even when there are paid staff, volunteers are still vital.

Thinking back again to my days at QC Bike Collective, I still reminisce about the volunteers who made my life easier by showing up to help us recycle tubes, take in donated bikes, and keep an eye on all the bike repair stations around town. Even if you only have an hour or two to spare, that’s a donation worth cherishing. You can find advocacy organizations near you on (you guessed it!) our Local Resources map. 

#4: Make a year-end gift to your favorite nonprofits 

Year-end contributions are the lifeblood of most non-profit organizations, including the League. With 2026 portending the biggest threat to bike funding in over a decade, please consider supporting the League by December 31st to help us start the new year in a strong position. Individual donations make it possible for us to uplift local voices, strengthen state and regional coalitions, and go to bat for people like you in our work here on Capitol Hill. The League is honored to accept your gift of virtually any type: contributions via credit card or check, Google or Apple Pay, appreciated stock, donor-advised fund, family foundation, and more. No matter how you give, know how much we appreciate your support at this critical time in the bicycling movement.

Donate now »

#5: Get into planned giving

“Planned giving” is a way to describe how people support the causes they value through structured contributions, like a will, charitable trust or via retirement accounts. Whether creating a will is one of those hazy “I should get around to that sometime” items on your to-do list or something very much top-of-mind, everyone should have a plan for retirement and beyond. If your year-end checklist includes working on your will or estate plan or checking in on your retirement accounts, check out our new Planned Giving explainer.  The League is here today because of the generations of bicyclists that came before us. Please consider bolstering the legacy of the League of American Bicyclists through planned giving. (And if you’re more on the “nonprofit staff” side of this work, feel free to use our language to support your own planned giving initiatives.) 

At the end of the day, giving back for bikes is really about strengthening the whole web of people and organizations working to make biking better for everyone, in whatever way you can. Whether you’re donating gear, shopping local, volunteering your time, planning a future gift, or giving what you can right now, we’re grateful for each and every one of you who keeps the bike movement rolling forward! 

The post Giving Back for Bikes: Five Ways to Support Bike Advocacy appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

With a persistently high traffic fatality rate and its seemingly intractable habit of failing to meet congressionally-mandated deadlines, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is desperately in need of reform.

There’s a proposal floating around to do just that, though the proposal is limited to the safety grant side of NHTSA, which accounts for about 80% of the agency’s funding. NHTSA distributes safety grants to state Highway Safety Offices through two programs – “Highway Safety Programs” under 23 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 402 and “National Priority Safety Programs” under 23 U.S.C. § 405 – referred to in the shorthand of 402 and 405. In 2025, more than $777 million was distributed through the 402 and 405 programs.

The 402 program was created to provide federal funds to states to pursue traffic safety improvements, specifically behavioral interventions such as traffic law enforcement, driver education, and crash-related information systems. It is a fairly flexible program with a broad purpose to reduce traffic crashes, and deaths, injuries, and property damage resulting from crashes.

NHTSA is absolutely in need of reform. It is an ineffective agency on both its grantmaking and its vehicle safety sides. But, this proposal is not a path forward. It is an abdication of leadership when we need leadership on traffic safety.

The 405 program was created to respond to specific traffic safety concerns, consolidating several programs previously created by Congress to address issues like drunk driving, seat belt use, and motorcycle helmets in 2012’s transportation bill. Nonmotorized safety was added in 2015’s transportation bill. There are currently eight specific priorities under the 405 program and each priority comes with its own eligibility criteria, eligible uses, and other policy elements.

NHTSA reports annually on states’ use of 405 funds for 11 grant types. In 2026, four grant types had participation rates of over 90%, three grant types had participation rates between 60% and 90%, and four grant types had participation rates under 35%. The grants with the highest rates of participation include seat belts, impaired driving, information systems, and nonmotorized safety. The grants with the lowest rates of participation include alcohol ignition interlock laws, 24-7 sobriety programs, and driver and officer safety education intended to reduce violence during traffic stops. Any funds available under 405 that are not used by states due to a lack of participation are made available to use under the 402 program.

The reform proposal, which would have to be approved by Congress, would do a number of things in order to reduce administrative burdens, and perhaps to improve traffic safety:

1. All 405 grants would be eliminated, including all of their policy elements created for specific purposes by Congress over several decades. 405 grant types would be replaced with subsections in the 402 program that would ensure a similar amount of funding goes to the same types of traffic safety issues.
2. State eligibility under the new 402 subsections would be determined in the same way for every traffic safety issue, rather than the specific ways chosen by Congress in the past. The one eligibility criteria would be whether a state’s performance on that traffic safety issue resulted in a higher traffic death rate for that issue than the national average.
3. Instead of pursuing specific uses of funds strategically chosen by Congress, states would only be required to “implement effective programs to improve the safety” for each traffic safety issue.

There is no defending NHTSA’s status quo. The traffic safety outcomes of the United States are far worse than our international peers. NHTSA often is on the receiving end of negative reports from the Government Accountability Office and other watchdog groups, and it often fails to make timely and evidence-based decisions about congressionally-mandated actions. We are still waiting for a basic website required by Congress in 2021 under 402(n)(2) so that we can search how states are using NHTSA’s funds. Despite good intentions, it is understandable that states did not apply for driver and officer safety education grants intended to reduce violence during traffic stops when the amount available would be less than $100,000 per state if every state applied.

However, the reform proposal is not worthy of support. 

1. It replaces the specific strategies present in the 405 program with no policy whatsoever beyond trusting the states. If you’re looking for federal leadership on traffic safety, you will not find it in this proposal.
2. By limiting eligibility to states doing worse than the national average on safety, it will provide incentives for states to have worse outcomes and narrow the reach of existing programs. For the nonmotorized safety grant types, the proposed changes would mean 20 states, or 60% of those receiving funds, would no longer be eligible for 405 grants to improve bicyclist and pedestrian safety.
3. By replacing specific program uses with a vague “implement effective programs to improve the safety” for each traffic safety issue, it will make specific programs less appealing and broader traffic safety efforts, such as law enforcement, more appealing. While we do not know where NHTSA grants currently go – because it lacks a website with a searchable database of grant uses – most data points towards it going to law enforcement. While that may be effective in some cases, specific programs such as child seat fitting, bicycle and pedestrian-related education programs, and the promotion of specific types of laws that require greater coordination may lose out in a future where there is no incentive to think beyond enforcement.

NHTSA is absolutely in need of reform. It is an ineffective agency on both its grantmaking and its vehicle safety sides. But, this proposal is not a path forward. It is an abdication of leadership when we need leadership on traffic safety.

Effective leadership would start with the premise that traffic deaths are not acceptable. Effective leadership would base a strategy on that goal of zero traffic deaths, rather than simply try to get grants out the door. Effective leadership would recognize the interconnectedness of changing behaviors on the roads and how we design and build the roads, not leaving traffic safety to enforcement alone.  

In the short term, we are partnering with other organizations focused on traffic safety to push back on this proposal. We believe there are simpler ways to reduce the administrative burden that don’t require giving state Governor Highway Safety Offices a blank check, undoing decades of policymaking without a new direction. We have signaled our willingness to work with Congress on more practical solutions.

In the long term, NHTSA needs structural reform. Fundamentally, the wall between behavioral traffic safety and roadway design must be torn down. We have to get education, engineering, and enforcement working in the same direction to have any chance at the goal of zero traffic deaths. The proposed reform doesn’t address that issue, and doesn’t include a strategy for how we achieve that change systemically, and that is why it is not worthy of support.

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As the year winds down, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our favorite feel-good stories of 2025. For anyone battling the December chill, this one comes with a burst of island sunshine! In this guest post, Andy Clarke introduces Frank Babel: a “super volunteer” whose decades of dedication to making biking safer and more accessible have made a huge splash on Hilton Head Island. Get ready to shake off the winter blues and settle in for this heart-warming read.

Town of Hilton Head Honors Super Volunteer, Frank Babel by Andy Clarke

Frank Babel has helped put Hilton Head Island (HHI) on the map for biking – it is one of just three Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Communities in the Southeast, and biking routinely tops the list of reasons people enjoy this South Carolina resort island. In July, I had the privilege of celebrating Frank’s 20+ years of tireless advocacy as the Town returned the favor and literally put Frank’s name on the map: they dedicated a trail in his honor. 

Frank Babel and Andy Clarke

When Frank retired to HHI more than 20 years ago, there was an aging network of disconnected and poorly maintained paths that apologetically wound their way alongside,  out of sight of, the Town’s roads. Neighborhoods such as Palmetto Dunes and Sea Pines had a legacy network of paths and modest bike rental fleets that vacationers could use at their own risk. Frank saw the potential to turn these under-appreciated resources into a major selling point for the community. More importantly, he wanted to save some lives and spread the joy of riding a bike to everyone lucky enough to cross the Intracoastal Waterway and land on Hilton Head Island. 

Lucky for us, he chose to use the League’s flagship Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) program to achieve his dream. At the July 30 dedication ceremony, he shared the “a-ha” moment in 2007 when he attended a statewide bicycle conference in Spartanburg where the hosts received the first ever BFC award (Bronze) in the state of South Carolina. From that moment on, Frank used the program as a blueprint for tasking the Town, the powerful Homeowner Associations, the Chamber, his volunteer committee members, and anyone else who would listen with the changes that were needed to achieve the highest possible BFC designation. 

His tenacity, mastery of delegation, and tireless energy has yielded extraordinary results. The 64-mile network of public paths is now wider, safer – especially the intersections, longer, better maintained and signposted, more visible and integrated into the town’s overall transportation system than ever before. A cadre of more than 200 Bike Ambassadors offer patient advice and assistance to the ever-changing population of pathway users. Impressive metrics attesting to Frank’s influence abound:

Boys & Girls Club members at Pedal Hilton Head Island 2024

• There are more than 30 bike shops and rental outlets with a combined fleet of more than 15,000 rental bikes on the island (permanent population 38,000)
• The Pedal4Kids ride has raised over a million dollars for the Boys and Girls Club
• More golf fans (in the thousands) every year take advantage of complimentary bike parking at the RBC Heritage Classic than any other PGA event

The irrepressible Babel has exemplified the role of citizen advocate: collaborative and collegial out of preference, but dogged and a pain in the ass when needed. Totally supportive and respectful of agency staff and roles, while always willing to gather information and examples to add to their knowledge. Relentlessly optimistic and forward-thinking, even when dealing with the State Department of Transportation. 

Frank’s view is that there’s always more than enough work to go around. Today, Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, and the Town seem to be trying to outdo one another – the two private communities boast another 20+ miles of pathway to add to the Town network. The fact that it hasn’t always been that way has never stopped him from asking, and then moving on to where progress can be made if the answer is no…the first time. 

The ribbon-cutting unveiling the new Frank Babel Pathway and Boardwalk.

The new Frank Babel Pathway and Boardwalk starts at the Shelter Cove Community Park and runs along the stunning Broad Creek to the east, taking in the Veterans Memorial along the way. It’s a beautiful and fitting tribute to a person that’s made a lasting difference in their community and beyond. Indeed, Frank has also been an active member of the East Coast Greenway Alliance state committee in South Carolina and supporter of the Palmetto Cycling Coalition (now Palmetto Walk Bike).

On a personal note, Frank has always been a joy to work with and an inspiration. He makes the programs we dreamt up at the national level come to life on the ground, where it matters the most. For that, I remain truly grateful. And HHI, thanks to Frank, will always be a special place to me because of the “a-ha” moment it gave me. Give people a safe place to ride and easy access to a bike (any kind of bike, believe me) and they will ride, with a big grin on their faces. It’s not that complicated. 

Frank is enjoying his second retirement, this time from bike advocacy. You should go and visit him, and ride on his trail! If you do, however, don’t be at all surprised if he bends your ear about what is yet to be done to get Hilton Head Island the Platinum BFC designation. A bicycle advocate’s job is NEVER done!

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The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for BUILD grants, making $1.5 billion available based on outlays from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. 

With grant awards up to $25 million available for projects, this NOFO presents an array of eligible entities with an option to fund their next multimodal project. Applications are to be submitted by February 24, 2026, for an anticipated June award date. 

Learn more about eligible entities and projects on the USDOT website »

The League encourages eligible groups to pursue BUILD grants, which have in the past been beneficial for transit and complete streets projects. 

In 2026, the League expects USDOT will look particularly favorably on grants from cities preparing to host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, 2028 Summer Olympic events, and 2034 Winter Olympic events. Transit and pedestrian-oriented projects are generally less competitive for BUILD grants, but cities hosting international events are expected to fare better when applying for projects of those types. 

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For the fifth year in a row, the League of American Bicyclists is thrilled to announce that we are accepting proposals for Community Spark Grants! Launched in 2022, this mini-grant program awards organizations for projects and initiatives that catalyze a community’s ability to create places where bicycling is safer, easier, and more accessible. 

The League’s Community Spark Grants support the growing number of local grassroots changemakers and organizations nationwide working to improve their communities through better bicycling. This year, the awards will be for $2,000 each. Any nonprofit organization or public agency can apply to receive this funding. The goal is for organizations to propose projects that spark change by expanding the capacity for local leaders and creating inclusive coalitions that help build more Bicycle Friendly Communities. Learn more about project eligibility here.

This year, ten Community Spark Grants will be awarded. Generous support for these grants comes from General Motors (GM). Of the ten organizations to receive awards, five must be in GM Facility communities. The other five can be based anywhere in the United States but must align with our Equity and Accessibility criteria, which can be found on the Community Spark Grant website or application page.

Photo: Day One, a California-based nonprofit, hosted a series of bike repair clinics supported by a 2025 Community Spark Grant.

We will review the applications holistically and use the specific equity and accessibility questions to help us narrow down the candidates. Selection will be based on those who demonstrate the highest impact of their project for the community with the most demonstrated need. Projects are required to be completed by the end of the calendar year (December 31, 2026); preference will be given to projects that can be completed by October 2026.

2026 Community Spark Grant Timeline

• Application Opens: November 24, 2025
• Application Closes: January 27, 2026, at 5pm ET
• Applications Reviewed: January-February 2026
• Applicants Selected and Notified: March 2026
• Project Execution: March-December 2026
• Final Reports Due: December 2026

How to Apply

We hope this funding can be the spark that puts your next idea into action! Learn more about the Community Spark Grant, how to apply, project eligibility, and deadlines, and read about past winners on our Community Spark Grants page.

Apply for a Spark Grant →

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A Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) encourages and enables people to bike for both transportation and recreation, providing residents with a safe and connected bikeway network and vibrant bike culture. To unlock the many benefits of cycling, like improving public health, reducing traffic congestion, enhancing air quality, and raising overall quality of life, communities must make biking safe and convenient for everyone.

The 5E’s: Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Evaluation & Planning, and Equity & Accessibility

The League evaluates communities across Five E’s to determine their Bicycle Friendliness, with Education being core among them. Cycling education not only encourages people to ride but also equips them with the skills and confidence to do so safely. Ultimately, the more people who feel safe and comfortable biking in their community, the more residents will choose to ride for transportation and recreation.

At the community level, this starts with cycling education being a routine part of public education for kids. Specifically, the League believes that on-bike instruction should be a standard part of every student’s education, ensuring that all students are Ready to Ride.

At the highest levels, being a Gold- or Platinum-level BFC means your community has a strong school-based, on-bike education program. While there’s no single way to operate an in-school cycling program, Gold-level BFC Eugene, Oregon, offers a great example of what communities can achieve.

About Gold-Level BFC Eugene, OR

Eugene has been a Gold-rated BFC since 2009. Earning Gold again in 2024, the city continues to make strides to improve cycling safety and encouragement in each application cycle.  The city aims to achieve Platinum-level status, but their Gold renewal is a noteworthy achievement in itself, considering the BFC program has grown over time to emphasize new, higher standards on topics such as youth cycling education, equity-focused planning and engagement efforts, and low-stress bike facilities.

Bike Appreciation Week at the University of Oregon, Eugene’s Gold-level Bicycle Friendly University

The city’s ability to maintain a Gold-level BFC award throughout the past two decades is an impressive feat, and a Platinum award is on the horizon for this mid-sized city. Eugene has a population just shy of 180K people, with a mixed urban/suburban land classification. As of their last BFC application (2024), the city has three Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFBs), one Gold-level Bicycle Friendly University (BFU), and 14 local League Cycling Instructors (LCIs). During the 2024 BFC application round, Eugene set the max score in Evaluation & Planning and scored in the top 5% of all applicants in the Education category. 

Looking ahead, Eugene has a stated goal to triple their mode split for bike riders over the next 20 years – an impressive goal for a community with an already high mode share of 8%. An ambitious goal like this must begin with equally ambitious efforts to make bicycling a lifelong habit from an early age, which is one of many reasons the League is excited to see on-bike education occurring in classrooms across Eugene.

School-Based Cycling Education In Eugene

Beginning in 2019, Eugene and neighboring Springfield launched a major effort to expand their school-based Bike Safety education, due to the high number of students who had not acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to ride safely by the time they arrived in the existing Bike Safety Education (BSE) classes. City of Eugene Recreation staff and the school district’s Safe Routes to School team partner to provide school-based on-bike education to approximately 1,700 students annually. 

The effort is multi-pronged: in two of the region’s school districts, all kindergarten and first-grade students gain balancing and pedaling skills in PE with at least four in-school sessions on bikes. Fifth through seventh-grade students (depending on school district) receive eight hours of on-bike instruction, including a community ride on their local streets. Students who make it to BSE classes without mastering pedaling receive special instruction before joining their peers on a pedal or adaptive bike for traffic safety learning and practice. All of Eugene’s Safe Routes staff are certified League Cycling Instructors, and the City’s Parks and Recreation staff who lead cycling instruction receive Smart Cycling training.

Collectively, the two school districts in Eugene own four bike fleets that are used to provide on-bike education during PE and health classes. Logistical support, like moving bike fleets between schools, is handled by City Recreation and Safe Routes staff. In addition to the in-house bike fleets, the BSE instructors work with school staff and the City of Eugene Adaptive Recreation program to assess students with disabilities and provide them with appropriate adaptive cycles, helping to ensure all students can participate. The City’s Adaptive Recreation program has a fleet of nearly 20 different types of adaptive bikes, including trikes, recumbents, balance bikes, and ellipticals. 

In addition to Eugene’s robust school-based cycling education throughout the year, four community-wide, all-ages, learn-to-ride events are held across the region. The community also hosts annual learn-to-ride events specific to adults and to the Latinx community. 

Funding On-Bike Education in Eugene

Eugene’s robust school-based on-bike education program has drawn funds from various local, state, and federal sources over the years. The city was able to purchase its bike fleets using local transportation funds, community grants, and state Safe Routes to School grants. Staffing and other operational expenses have been funded through regional transportation dollars flowing into the Metropolitan Planning Organization (Lane Council of Governments) — this funding comes from a regional pot of state and federal funds that partner agencies have agreed to use for the city’s bike education program before submitting applications for other projects.

Words From The Community

The League believes school-based on-bike education is a core component of a Bicycle Friendly Community. Not only does it build the next generation of safe cyclists, it engages caregivers and other adults in the community, encouraging them to get riding and make their community safer for all who cycle. But don’t take our word for it – here’s what Eugene residents had to say.

“My daughter went through the Learn to Ride program in first grade after I had tried everything at home to help her learn. By the third class, she was riding a bike all on her own! The instructors were patient, encouraging, and clearly know how to make learning fun and stress-free.”—Renee Neill, PE Teacher & Parent

“As a mom and a mayor, I love having the option to bike with my kids. It’s one of the things that makes living in Eugene great. It’s important that all kids are taught safe riding skills, and I’m proud of how the City of Eugene supports our local school districts’ “Learn to Ride” and safety education efforts with our regional Safe Routes to School program.”—Mayor Kaarin Knudson

“Bike Safety Education embodies and embraces our values as a division for the City of Eugene; it highlights freedom, education, accessibility, and equity. Providing knowledge about the laws, access to bike resources, and direct on bike education encourages students to partake in additional recreation outside of the classroom via bike and makes transportation to our programs easier for students feeling confident after the bike safety session.”—Nyles Asher, City of Eugene Recreation Division, Bike Safety Education Lead

“The Learn to Ride Bike Program is absolutely incredible! It’s truly impressive that students can go from being hesitant beginners to confident independent bike riders in just a few 30-minute PE classes.  This program is a game changer for kids learning to ride a bike, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly.”—Renee Neill, PE Teacher & Parent

Conclusion Family biking on a protected bikeway in Eugene

Eugene demonstrates how the Bicycle Friendly Community program and the League’s Ready to Ride campaign work hand-in-hand to create lasting change. A truly Bicycle Friendly Community doesn’t just build great infrastructure — it builds confident riders, starting in the classroom and continuing in the community. By weaving on-bike instruction into the school day, the city isn’t just teaching kids how to ride, it’s creating lifelong riders who understand how to move safely and confidently through their neighborhoods. Programs like these build trust, strengthen connections between families, schools, and city agencies, and show how investing in young people today creates safer, healthier streets for everyone tomorrow.

That’s what being a Bicycle Friendly Community is really about. It’s not one program or project; it’s a shared effort to make biking a safe, easy, and natural part of everyday life. Communities looking to follow Eugene’s lead can start by applying for Bicycle Friendly Community recognition and supporting school-based on-bike education. It’s how we grow the next generation of riders and the communities they’ll help shape.

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At every National Bike Summit, hundreds of bike advocates come together to share best practices, build stronger networks, and be a voice for bicycling on Capitol Hill. 

In 2026, attending the Summit and advocating for bicycling on Capitol Hill will be one of the most impactful actions you can take for the future of safer roads. 

The National Bike Summit will take place March 24-26, 2026, in Washington, DC. (Registration is now open!) At the same time, the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee plans to push the next transportation bill through Congress next spring. 

2026 Keynote Speakers Register Now

The transportation bill is a five-year spending authorization bill, which supplies millions of dollars to states and localities for bicycling and walking projects. But Chairman Sam Graves has said, It’s gonna be a traditional highway bill — that means building roads and bridges, laying asphalt, pouring concrete…. We’re not gonna be spending money on murals and train stations or bike paths or walking paths. We’re going to spend money on traditional infrastructure, that’s roads and bridges.”

We need your voice in Washington on Lobby Day to speak up for bicycling. 

During last year’s Lobby Day on Capitol Hill, Summit attendees met with 232 congressional offices across 44 states to rally for safer streets and better biking. This year, we need an even bigger turnout to fight the threat of federal disinvestment in biking and walking. 

That’s among the top reasons you should be at the 2026 National Bike Summit. Join us March 24-26, 2026, in Washington, DC. Can’t attend all three days? For the first time, we are offering a Wednesday in Washington ticket, a one-day registration to attend Lobby Day and be part of our movement on Capitol Hill. Learn more on the registration site. 

Early Bird registration – the best rate to register! – ends on January 31. 

Need more reasons to come to Washington in 2026? 

Five Reasons to Attend the 2026 National Bike Summit

1. Flex your power. Your voice matters and your elected officials need to hear from you about how bicycling benefits your community and why they must fight for the resources your community needs to make bicycling better.

2. Share your story. The Summit is a gathering of grassroots advocates for bicycling where every lesson learned from a local victory (or setback) can help inspire another. Bring your best practices and make the movement stronger one story at a time. 

3. Grow your network. People from across the country come to the Summit, all with different backgrounds and areas of expertise. Whether you’re looking to connect with peers who can lend advice or colleagues in other sectors, you can expand your network of experienced bike advocates. 

4. Fill your toolbox. Every session at the Summit is an opportunity to learn and build your skillset. Speakers tackle the latest trends in the bike advocacy world, from automated vehicles to bike buses to e-bikes. 

5. Meet your people. If you’ve ever felt like you’re pushing for better biking all on your own, spending a few days with fellow advocates is a breath of fresh air. You’ll meet people who lift you up, recharge your motivation, and remind you that when we come together, big things happen.

Register Now

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This fall, as campuses across the country buzz with the energy of a new academic year, the League of American Bicyclists is recognizing 45 colleges and universities that are making biking a core part of campus life. The latest round of Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) awards celebrates institutions that are rising to the challenge: taking feedback seriously, investing in infrastructure, and building partnerships that make biking safer, easier, and more accessible for everyone.

“What stands out about this round of Bicycle Friendly University awards is their commitment to listening, learning, and improving,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “That spirit of progress is helping shape today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders, equipping them to carry on the work of building a more Bicycle Friendly America.”

How the BFU Program Works

Every institution that applies for a Bicycle Friendly University award provides details on bike-related policies, programs, educational initiatives, and infrastructure. Application reviewers carefully assess these submissions, along with local insights shared via campus surveys, to determine the award level. All applicants—whether they merit Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Honorable Mention, or No Award—receive a comprehensive feedback report highlighting strengths, areas for improvement, and actionable strategies for future rounds.

This year’s honorees join a network of 204 Bicycle Friendly Universities across 42 states, collectively shaping a national movement to help everyone experience the joy, freedom, and benefits of riding a bike. Colleges and universities are ideal settings to cultivate a pro-bike culture, as many campuses are already high-density areas designed for students to navigate without a car.

Bicycle Friendly Universities stand out for having built upon these advantageous conditions and embracing the joy and enthusiasm that bikes inspire in people, which often has the added benefit of invigorating surrounding communities. Beyond the joy of riding, bikes also address real challenges campuses face: they ease pressure on overcrowded and costly parking lots, support ambitious climate and carbon reduction goals, enhance safety by reducing vehicle traffic, and provide health and wellness benefits for students, faculty, and staff alike.

Progress over Perfection UC Davis’s new inclusive bike parking standards ensure adaptive bicycles can be securely parked across campus.

The hallmark of the rising BFUs in this round is their momentum: progressing their campus bike initiatives by taking action on the League’s prior feedback. Among the 2025 honorees, the University of California, Davis, retained its long-held Platinum status by acting on the League’s advice to implement inclusive bike parking standards to accommodate tricycles, cargo bikes, and other adaptive cycles. “Bikes are tools to make the world a better place, and we feel immensely lucky to be working together with the League [and the Bicycle Friendly America program] to show people the power of bicycling,” UC Davis shared.

The University of Colorado Boulder also earned Platinum this year, moving up from Gold thanks to a range of initiatives that embed biking in campus culture. These include a mandatory fee that funds both transit and bike infrastructure, free bikeshare memberships for more than 22,000 riders, and year-round biking events like the CU Bike Fest, which celebrates bike joy on campus while increasing access to ridership through on-site maintenance and free refurbished bikes.

But a campus doesn’t need to achieve Platinum status to merit applause. In this round, Illinois State University and California State University, Chico, are great examples of how steady improvement drives results. Both moved up from previous Honorable Mention designations to Bronze this year by taking action on feedback from prior BFU rounds. “We reviewed and implemented quite a few of the recommendations from our 2018 BFU Feedback Report,” said Illinois State University — notably, partnering with the adjacent Town of Normal for a “Pedestrian and Roadway Campus Safety Initiative” that expanded bike networks and improved campus and community safety.

The Power of Community  Richmond Mayor’s Youth Academy participant (working at VCU’s RamBikes for the summer) learns about frame building from a local fabricator.

Partnerships are a key driver of success in the BFU program, helping universities expand their reach and scale up access to safe, enjoyable biking beyond campus borders.

Virginia Commonwealth University, a renewing Gold-level BFU, emphasizes a citywide vision: “We realize that biking is bigger than us. Rather than focus solely on the university population, VCU’s bike program encourages youth and diverse populations across the city to bike more. We hope this will influence the culture of Richmond as a whole.”

The progress recognized in this round of awards is a reminder that every college and university has the power to make biking safer and more accessible. From M State Fergus Falls in Minnesota (700 students) to Arizona State University’s Tempe campus (over 74,000 students), these Bicycle Friendly Universities show that meaningful change for better biking is possible at any scale.

As more campuses join the Bicycle Friendly America movement, the League looks forward to seeing how the ideas and energy of today’s students will transform communities everywhere into places where everyone can ride united with confidence and joy.

Join the Movement

The Bicycle Friendly University program is part of a growing effort to make biking safe, accessible, and enjoyable on campuses and beyond. Universities interested in joining can submit applications for the 2026 BFU round by August 5, 2026.

Apply for BFU Status

About the Bicycle Friendly University℠ Program

Bicycle Friendly University awards reflect local leaders’ ongoing work to build better places to bike and evaluate those efforts as part of a national movement. Each of the five levels of the Bicycle Friendly University award – diamond, platinum, gold, silver, and bronze, plus an honorable mention category – provide a clear path for businesses to continuously improve. Visit bikeleague.org/university to learn more about the BFU program.

About the League Of American Bicyclists

Since 1880, the League of American Bicyclists has been people-powered, with a goal to make bicycling safer and easier as a means of transportation and recreation. Today, the League continues to improve lives and strengthen communities through bicycling. We are more than 200,000 members and supporters strong with more than 1,000 state and local advocacy groups and bike clubs as well as thousands of businesses, universities, and communities together leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. 

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Detroit, known as “Motor City” and long hailed as the car capital of the United States, might seem like an unlikely location to host a bike advocacy workshop. But after last month’s League Cycling Advocacy workshop, I’m proud to say the city has made incredible strides and lasting infrastructure investments that make it a world-class bike destination — and an excellent case study for grassroots advocates to witness the impact that sustaining advocacy can make. 

Detroit is a Bike Destination Bill Gaston, President of the Major Taylor International Cycling Alliance, takes a group selfie with fellow League Cycling Advocates.

Detroit is in the midst of completing its Joe Louis Greenway, which will connect many neighborhoods and their communities to jobs, recreation, and each other. The riverfront walk boasts top-tier shared-use paths and celebrates the successful advocacy campaign to get a bike lane on a bridge to Canada! The murals around town showcase art and placemaking in ways that highlight the community and breathe life into quiet corners. Detroit also has at least one group bike ride every night of the week, providing an array of options that leave visiting riders envious of all the opportunities to get out and ride together (myself, included). Best of all, Detroiters are proud of what they have accomplished and warmly welcome visitors to enjoy what they have and continue to create.

Setting the Stage

It is in the midst of this remarkable growth that the League’s most recent bike advocacy workshop took place. Biking a mile in steady rain from my hotel to Wayne State University to kick off a three-day bike advocacy workshop gave me just enough time to worry that I might not have prepared the cohort enough, or had not thought of all the small details to make the workshop a success. But as I continued biking down the protected bike lane on Cass Ave and arrived at the university lecture hall where several friendly faces were already gathered, my nerves began to subside. 

For this workshop, thirty-five advocates came from thirteen states from across the country: as far west as Oregon, east from Rhode Island, North from Minnesota, and South from Alabama. We started with a nametag game, which set a friendly and collaborative tone for the workshop, and then headed out on a group ride to dinner, where we filled the bike rack to overflowing.

Workshop Content

The next day, the main content of the workshop kicked off with Todd Scott, the Executive Director of Detroit Greenways Coalition. Todd provided a thoughtful analysis of the “History of Bike Advocacy,” peppered with local insights and fun facts for all of us to nerd out about, like how the first stop sign was invented in Detroit.

We moved on to the topic of “How to Get Organized,” where participants did a powermapping exercise, followed by “Working With Partners in Your Community,” presented by Jeff Jones, the ED of Hope Village CDC, and Idress Mutahr, Chief Greenway Planner with the City of Detroit. Idress gave an in-depth overview of the Joe Louis Greenway engagement initiatives, highlighting how involved and extensive the work was. For example, he shared how one neighborhood worked with some of its long-time residents to shape the informational plaques, source historic photos, and inform project planners about what to include. 

After those inspiring sessions, we heard from Chrissy Debose, a.k.a “SociallyChrissy, Detroit’s Car Free Mom.” She talked about her journey into becoming car-free and what it takes to run social media communications and storytelling from both the personal and professional sides of advocacy. 

John Waterman, the Executive Director from Programs to Educate all Cyclists (PEAC), then presented with four students on “How to Make the Case: Data and Beyond.” PEAC works with folks with disabilities, teaching people how to ride bikes and public transit safely and independently. John and his students made an impactful and heartfelt presentation: showing and telling the audience how inclusive communication and creative logic need to be part of the decision-making process around bike infrastructure, planning, and design. All of his students shared personal stories of learning how to bike to work and navigating the infrastructure where they live, and talked about what it’s like to advocate and make their voices heard. 

Jason Hall was next to take the stage and talk about “Programming and Getting People on Bikes.” As the founder of RiDetroit and co-founder of Slow Roll Detroit, he’s gotten thousands of people out riding and has helped to shape and normalize biking in Detroit. Todd Scott then led the group on an advocacy-themed 10-mile group ride showcasing many of Detroit’s hardest-won bike infrastructure projects, such as the 14th St. bike lanes, SW Greenway, RiverWalk, and Dequindre Cut Greenway. 

Hearing about and seeing firsthand the amount of work that Todd and other bike advocates have put into improving and making space for bicyclists in Detroit was incredible! Their recent updates, investments, and new connections make their bike network feel seamless. The geography is also great for inclusive biking, since it’s mostly flat. One of my favorite moments happened towards the end of the ride when we passed by the Lions’ stadium as the crowd roared, letting off fireworks from their winning game!

People Have the Power

The final day brought out Erin Stanley and Christina Peltier with the City’s Council and the City’s Department of Public Works, respectively. They gave us solid advice around policy basics: tips on working with local councils and practical factors that advocates need to consider, such as strategic timing, making the right asks, and setting realistic expectations.

Todd Scott then took the stage again to discuss the topic of “Effective Political Engagement: Talking To Your Decision Makers.” Using the Gordie Howe International Bridge as an example, Todd talked about the effort that it took to advocate for this cross-border infrastructure project over the last 10+ years: building lasting relationships with state representatives and local council members, making compromises that accomplish small wins towards larger goals, and the importance of having fun along the way to sustain morale. 

Jacob Graham with Detroit’s bikeshare program, MoGo, was the final speaker. His topic was “Funding Fundamentals” and focused on getting engaged with your local budget as well as exploring a variety of funding sources like membership, grants, events, and donations. The training ended with a mock public meeting, where attendees took on the roles of various council members interacting with members of the public requesting funding.

The Ending is Just the Beginning

Overall, the energy at the workshop was undeniable. It was a bonding experience that touched our hearts and minds, leaving all the advocates in attendance rejuvenated and in high spirits. 

I ended the workshop just as it started, with an overview of what it takes to be an effective advocate — but with the addition of new perspectives gained from the guest speakers. Many people lingered to say their farewells, and one attendee even teared up while reflecting upon the event and its meaning for them, the city, and the community. Another attendee remarked that this experience gave them the inspiration and fire they needed to go home and reinvigorate their advocacy work. 

Moments like these are why this work is so important and gratifying to me. People are the heart of the bike movement, and being able to help, motivate, and boost the morale of the advocates who are doing this work makes me appreciate that I can be a part of this growing movement, too! 

Thank you to all who participated, volunteered, and spoke at this League Cycling Advocate workshop. The momentum we built this October will continue rolling toward a stronger, more inclusive cycling future in Detroit and beyond. I’m looking forward to what 2026 brings!

Want to stay in the loop on bike advocacy? Subscribe to the League’s newsletter for advocacy news or request to join the BikeWalkAdvocates Google Group!

The post Detroit on the Move: Insights from October’s LCA Workshop appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

The League certifies hundreds of League Cycling Instructors every year and there are thousands of LCIs across the country leading bike education efforts in their communities. In our LCI spotlight series, we share the stories of League Cycling Instructors doing what they do daily: educating, mentoring, and empowering. You don’t have to be an extraordinary athlete or overachieving student to be a stellar LCI, all you need is the conviction that life is better for everyone when more people ride bikes.

This month, we’re excited to get to know Elias Estabrook, Education Director at the New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation. Elias discovered his love for teaching cycling half a decade ago, and he’s been spreading bike joy ever since. 

Elias was nominated by League Cycling Coach Leta Highsmith, a recommendation that speaks volumes. Coach Highsmith shares, “Elias truly embraces youth bicycle education. He elevated NCAT’s community classes and has been instrumental in launching Bike Ed in three New Haven Schools.” Read on to be inspired as we learn more about Elias’s journey as a cycling educator!

Tell us a little about yourself and why you enjoy teaching bike education.

Five years ago, I came across some League Cycling Instructors and active transportation advocates, and they encouraged me to take a Smart Cycling class and register to become an LCI. My eyes were opened to new handling skills and ways of navigating roads.

I started teaching as an LCI in 2021, and I have had many, many enjoyable experiences since then. As an instructor with the New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation (NCAT), I have taught dozens of learn-to-ride participants, from young children to adults of all ages. I enjoy the breakthroughs that people experience, proving to themselves that they can learn and apply new skills. Their smiles and laughter as they ride in an oval or down a path make me smile. Some participants write to me about where they now ride on a bicycle, or I see them around town. It is incredibly rewarding to see how bicycle education has empowered people. 

I have been so inspired in my role as an instructor that I recently took the leap to work full-time as an assistant teacher in the New Haven Public Schools and to start a teacher certification program. I ride my bike to school on most days, and I plan to continue bringing joy through bike education.

What has been your greatest reward in teaching bike education?

The greatest reward has been encountering people, who were in a beginner or intermediate class with me, riding a bike in the community. For example, two second graders, who did not know how to balance on a bike in April, joined a youth skills road-eo at their neighborhood block party in August. A girl, who spent several sessions learning to balance and pedal, rode five miles during an annual fundraising ride in April. There are many stories I could tell!

What is your best piece of advice for an LCI who wants to teach a class but isn’t sure how to get started?

More adults than you would think are not confident on a bicycle or have not ridden in years, much less in the street. Share that you are an LCI in casual conversation, and you may be surprised how many people would like to be referred to a class with you! Once you offer some high-quality classes, you may see that people refer their friends and family. 

What is your favorite thing about being on a bike?

I love that I can get the physical and mental health boosts while enjoying sights in my neighborhood, city bike path, or nearest state park. There are days when I can feel the ride to work or ride back home ease the stress in my body. 

What is your favorite memory from being on a bike?

I grew up riding a bicycle for recreation in Massachusetts and my mother’s home region of Germany. In middle and high school, I used MBTA buses and subways to often get to school and other destinations in Boston. It wasn’t until the summer after my first year of college that I started riding a bicycle for utility – to and from a job, groceries, and other errands. I bought a $100 mountain bike through Craiglist. It was amazing to see the distances I could travel in a city. I remember writing in a journal about how much I got to know New Orleans that first summer while moving relatively slowly on my bike. I even witnessed a critical mass ride for the first time. 

Inspired, I started to commute to jobs and college classes in Connecticut. I went bikepacking for the first time. A few years later, I bought more winter attire and started commuting in the colder Northeast months too. I rode a bicycle for various purposes with different people, and it became part of my daily life.

Know an inspiring LCI we should feature next? Nominate a stellar bike educator here! 

The post LCI Spotlight: Elias Estabrook appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

Winchester is a quaint city with a population of just over 28,000 residents, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of northern Virginia. Surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, and just a stone’s throw from larger cities like D.C. and Baltimore, Winchester is well-situated as a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of big-city life. 

Facing south on the Loudoun Street Mall in Winchester, Virginia. Photo: Wikimedia.

Though the city has yet to apply for recognition as a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC), Winchester has several opportunities for bike-and-walk-loving locals: the downtown area has a welcoming car-free shopping zone adjacent to Shenandoah University, the Green Circle Trail encircles the city as a biking and walking loop, and the community has a vibrant bicycle and pedestrian committee known as Bike Walk Winchester. 

Winchester sits in the larger Frederick County, which is currently working on improving its biking and regional active transportation options for its residents and the community as a whole. The city’s proximity to Bicycle Friendly Communities in Virginia, like Bronze-level BFC Harrisonburg and Gold-level BFC Arlington, is drumming up interest in improving Winchester’s bikeability, both to attract new residents and improve the quality of life for the locals. Virginia itself sits at #12 in the League’s latest Bicycle Friendly States ranking — an encouraging statistic for communities like Winchester, which are seeking to bolster their reputation for outdoor recreation and active transportation.

As this work is unfolding, the community’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and local bike advocates invited the League’s Bicycle Friendly America staff to come to Winchester to host a Bicycle Friendly Community Workshop in September. The day-and-a-half-long workshop brought together many of the community’s decision-makers and local leaders who are working on biking and walking in the city and county, from local and regional planners and engineers to university staff, volunteer bike advocates, and school officials. 

Anna Tang, the League’s Bicycle Friendly America Program Specialist, is pictured (center right) with attendees of the Winchester Bicycle Friendly Community workshop.

The workshop featured a deep dive into the community’s profile, exploring who’s biking and why, what improvements could and should be made, and the essential elements of the League’s 5 E criteria that articulate how to improve a community’s bicycle-friendliness holistically. 

Combining both presentation and discussion, the group worked throughout the first day to identify what is going well and what improvements should be made in the near (and distant) future to build their vision for the community. What rose to the top of the list included how to better engage both youth and adults in cycling education, updating the existing bike plan, and incorporating encouragement programming — like organizing more types of group rides and starting a bike bus — that reflect the community as a whole. 

Of the Winchester/Frederick residents who responded to a public survey about local bicycling conditions, most report riding their bikes at least once a week for recreation, leisure, exercise, and for transportation. The number one response to “what you would like to see the local government do for bicyclists in this community” was “more bike lanes and protected bike lanes,” closely followed by “implement a Bicycle Master Plan or similar transportation plan.” 

The second half-day was spent detailing an accelerated action plan for the various ideas, programs, and campaigns that the community would like to set into motion for the next twelve months. These included starting a bike bus to school, integrating biking at Shenandoah University in more intentional ways, and updating the bike plan at the county and local levels. 

Attendees shared that the most valuable aspects of the workshop were the “networking, meeting people in the community, and learning what it takes to be a Bicycle Friendly Community.”  One attendee said, “Anna presented options that I had not previously considered. I really liked the ‘Action Plan’ steps, something I can take beyond bicycling.”

The biggest takeaway from the workshop (and really, from any efforts to create a welcoming place for people to bike) is that people are at the heart of it all. Offering the means and knowledge for communities to build dignified ways to get around by bike, and integrating it with existing transportation options, is a must. Having a supportive, active, and enthusiastic local bike advocacy community is incredibly helpful to get people to show up to community meetings and provide feedback about plans and community engagement. Not to mention, a supportive local and regional government is an essential ingredient for the recipe for success. Winchester and the wider Frederick County have all these elements, and a bright future is ahead of them — with the stage set to start the work that needs to happen now.

If you or your community would like to get the expert hands-on and in-person training that Winchester received, you can request the League come to your community to host a Bicycle Friendly Community Workshop! Email bfa@bikeleague.org to learn more about pricing, scheduling, and other logistical details. We would love to work with you to make your community better for biking.

The post Gearing Up in Winchester, Virginia: Lessons from a Bicycle Friendly Community Workshop appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

Meet the newest member of the League’s team: Will Simpson! As our new Federal Policy Fellow, Will supports the League’s policy and communications teams on federal advocacy, bill tracking, and research. He brings valuable experience working in the Connecticut state legislature, along with a Master’s in Public Policy from American University. An avid gravel cyclist, Will is passionate about using active transportation to make communities healthier, more sustainable, and more connected.

We’re thrilled to have his thoughtful perspective and enthusiasm for bikes shaping our federal policy work — read on to get to know Will!

What inspired you to pursue working in bike advocacy and transportation policy?

The numerous policy issues that bikes can help address sparked my interest in cycling and active transportation advocacy. Whether it is the way that a robust bikeshare system can help to solve the ‘last mile’ issue in public transit or how electric bikes allow more people to commute longer distances by bicycle, two-wheeled transportation is key to making our communities healthier and more accessible. 

What’s your first memory of riding a bike?

My first memory of riding a bike was on this (oversized) bike when I was several years old. My dad and my grandpa thought that I was ready to go without the training wheels, so they let me loose without them in my grandpa’s cul-de-sac. The only issue was that I had not yet learned how to brake. So shortly thereafter, I crashed into the curb, which brought tears to my eyes and a scolding from my dad and my grandpa’s spouses. 

What does your bike journey look like? What got you into biking as an adult?

I grew up mountain biking in Northern California with my dad. Still, once I moved to Connecticut in middle school and became more involved in organized sports, I fell out of the habit of riding regularly. It was not until the pandemic that I rediscovered my passion for cycling. I have been logging gravel and mountain bike miles each week ever since!

What are some of your favorite routes and trails to explore?

For a more extended excursion, I love to explore the miles of hilly unpaved roads surrounding the Frederick City Watershed in Maryland, piecing together new routes. I am also particularly fond of the Watershed, which is home to an incredible network of flowy downhill mountain bike trails. 

For rides closer to the District, I enjoy going on out-and-backs on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. How quickly you can go from a bustling cityscape in Georgetown to the serene, natural riverfront is incredible every time. 

What bike are you riding now, and what inspires you about cycling?

Right now, my primary bike is a Canyon Grizl gravel bike that doubles as a commuter bike. I also have an old (but reliable!) 2004 Specialized mountain bike that I use for rougher terrain and singletrack. 

What inspires me about cycling is how much you can experience during a longer ride – new sights, sounds, and smells. It is particularly enthralling because many of the sensory experiences are things that you may otherwise miss if you were traveling by car. I am also inspired by discovering new places I would not have otherwise encountered if it were not for riding – that bike-friendly café down the road from your favorite climb, or the farm stand off a little-traveled country gravel road. But, perhaps most importantly, I am inspired by connecting with those who share the love of cycling. 

What do you hope to take away from your year-long fellowship with the League?

I hope to gain a more complete understanding of the U.S. active transportation landscape, as well as the various ways the League fits into the field. I also hope to learn how best to continue advocating for bicycle-friendly policy solutions after this role. 

The post New League Staff: Meet Will Simpson appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

Change doesn’t start in city hall. It starts with people—people like you—who care deeply about making streets safer, more accessible, and better for everyone who bikes, walks, or rolls.

That’s why the League of American Bicyclists is proud to introduce the Bike Advocacy Toolkit: Grassroots Organizing and Mobilizing for Local Communities, a practical and empowering digital resource built to support local advocates in driving real, lasting change in their communities.

Whether you’re organizing your first bike lane campaign or refining your long-term advocacy strategy, this toolkit gives you the structure, tools, and confidence to turn ideas into action.

What’s Inside the Toolkit?

This downloadable resource is designed to help individuals and advocacy groups plan and carry out effective campaigns to improve biking conditions in their communities.

Here’s a taste of what’s packed inside:

• Advocacy foundations: Learn how to connect with your community, define your “why,” and build a base of enthusiastic supporters. Learn how to organize a group and mobilize it when necessary.
• Level setting: Define and understand essential advocacy topics, policy basics, and key vocabulary words.
• Strategic planning for success: Dive into the seven essential steps of running a winning campaign from issue definition and goal-setting to resource management and timeline mapping.
• Tools for every stage: You’ll find resources for hosting inclusive meetings, conducting SWOT/SOAR analyses, power mapping, drafting your “stair speech,” and requesting local government funding.
• Inclusive advocacy: This toolkit foregrounds people-centered advocacy—encouraging inclusive language, recognizing privilege, and ensuring that the voices of those most impacted are leading the work.
• Resources: The Bike Advocacy Toolkit includes a handy glossary, tables of useful resources and partner organizations, and a thoughtful introduction with acknowledgments and a land recognition prepared to ground your work in context and respect. 

Why Bike Advocates Will Love It

The Bike Advocacy Toolkit is for every advocate—whether you’re just getting started or already running campaigns. It helps you get organized, build community power, sharpen your message, and achieve real results in your town or city. 

From asking for bike racks to rethinking traffic lanes, the step-by-step planning process helps you stay organized, strategic, and effective. With practical templates, sample agendas, and printable worksheets, we hope this resource makes your advocacy work easier, more inclusive, and more effective.

It also emphasizes equity and empathy, helping you center the voices of those most affected and keep your work thoughtful and impactful. Think of it as a guide, an ally, and a spark to turn ideas into action and momentum into real change. To make this resource available as widely as possible, the toolkit is free for volunteer advocates, $20 for nonprofits, and $50 for professional use if your organization can contribute to sustaining this work.

Join the launch webinar!

We’ll introduce the toolkit on Tuesday, October 14, from 3:00–3:30 PM ET. In just 30 minutes, you’ll see how to use it to make biking safer and more accessible in your community—and stick around for a live Q&A to get your questions answered.

Download the toolkit ahead of time at shop.bikeleague.org and register here to join us!

The post Introducing the Bike Advocacy Toolkit: Grassroots Organizing and Mobilizing for Local Communities appeared first on League of American Bicyclists.

Key Results & Accomplishments

• Ridgeland, Mississippi (population 24,576) received a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community award in 2010, which they renewed in 2024 and hope to elevate to Silver by 2028.
• Every May, the city passes a Bicycle Safety Month Proclamation, encouraging residents to “respect cycling and encourage [transportation] safety throughout our community.” 
• Ben McDonald, Special Events Coordinator at Ridgeland’s Recreation and Parks Department, spoke on the League’s “National Bike Month: Inspiration from Bicycle Friendly Communities”  webinar in May to share about Ridgeland’s mayoral Bicycle Safety Month proclamation and Bike Month events like the Natchez Trace Century and Family Fun Rides.
• The city is strengthening partnerships with community groups and health organizations to create momentum for bicycle-friendly initiatives, including ongoing support from the League through the CDC’s Active People, Healthy NationSM initiative.
• The city adopted an Active People, Healthy NationSM Proclamation in 2022 to show their support for increasing physical activity through community design.
• Ridgeland is actively expanding its bicycle network. Citizens recently voted to fund the expansion of Freedom Ridge Park, a project that will add multi-use trails connecting to Ridgeland’s existing trail system. 

Ridgeland, Mississippi, is putting itself on the map—not just for its scenic charm, but as a growing destination for bicycling enthusiasts and families seeking active, healthy lifestyles. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of city leaders like longtime bicyclist Mayor Gene McGee, local businesses and bicycle shops, and community organizations like Explore Ridgeland, the city is building a culture around bicycles that benefits both residents and visitors.

This year, Ridgeland celebrated Bicycle Safety Month in May with an official mayoral proclamation, highlighting the community’s commitment to investing in safer, better places to ride. This effort lends strength to the city’s designation as Mississippi’s Healthiest Hometown and its status as one of only two communities in the state with an Active People, Healthy Nation℠ proclamation. Ben McDonald, Special Events Coordinator for Recreation and Parks, joined the League’s “National Bike Month: Inspiration for Bicycle Friendly Communities” webinar to share how, through collaboration, the city uses proclamations and community events to encourage a bicycle-friendly culture. Joining a panel of representatives from Honolulu, HI (pop. 350,964); Princeton, NJ (pop. 31,445); and Grand Junction, CO (pop. 70,554), McDonald’s presentation offered insights into how Ridgeland can be an example for smaller, more rural communities nationwide.

Above: A group of bicycling champions from the local community gathers to celebrate the signing of the Bicycle Safety Month Proclamation. 

Ridgeland has continued to strengthen its bicycle-friendly initiatives through a partnership with the League of American Bicyclists, meeting regularly with our Bicycle Friendly America team throughout the past year for technical assistance, guidance, and collaborative problem-solving. Some highlights included: supporting the unofficial Bicycle Advisory Committee by sharing strategies to consider formalizing the Committee’s role and other best practices from similar committees in other communities; encouraging a future bicycle parking audit and possible Bicycle Friendly University application at a local community college; working with the Explore Ridgeland, the community’s tourism and visitors’ bureau, to encourage local employers to become Bicycle Friendly Businesses; and providing technical resources to help annual bicycling events like the Natchez Trace Century Ride roll smoothly. This work is supported through the CDC’s Active People, Healthy Nation℠ initiative, and is intended to help communities build capacity for activity-friendly community design efforts that support physical activity and can benefit both residents and visitors alike.

This capacity-building work can be valuable in states like Mississippi, which currently rank at the bottom of the League’s Bicycle Friendly State (BFS) rankings. Per the 2024 BFS analysis, Mississippi is consistently the most dangerous state for bicyclists based on fatalities per capita and is one of only five states that have never adopted a statewide bicycle plan. 

Ridgeland is one of two current Bicycle Friendly Communities in the state, and its efforts have been greatly influenced by Mayor Gene McGee’s steady leadership — so much so that a popular local ride and festival, the McGee Lungbuster, bears his name. Ben McDonald says, “[Ridgeland] is around 25,000 people, so not a big city, but it is a great place to have a mayor that rides a bike and believes in the importance of it and wants other people to do the same.”

Recently, citizens voted to raise local taxes to fund the expansion of Freedom Ridge Park, which will add multi-use trails connecting to Ridgeland’s existing trail system. Mayor McGee and city leaders hope these improvements will make Ridgeland a hub for sports tourism in Mississippi, attracting visitors to spend money locally while promoting health, wellness, and community engagement. 

Ridgeland’s 2024 “Family Fun Ride”

“We know that this will be a boon for the community,” McGee says (per the Clarion Ledger). “Youth sports is such an economic driver. We know that people will come and spend money in our restaurants and hotels. They will also come and spend money in our local retail shops and stores… We are excited to make this happen here.”

Looking ahead, the League seeks to continue supporting Ridgeland as a Bicycle Friendly Community and collaborating with local businesses to help them support their employees and customers through the Bicycle Friendly Business program. From conducting a bicycle parking audit at the local community college to offering examples from peer cities to strengthen Ridgeland’s unofficial Bicycle Advisory Committee, the League’s Bicycle Friendly Community program offers a variety of tools and resources for communities like Ridgeland to find inspiration and a roadmap to improve. 

Ridgeland’s story shows how a smaller city can steadily grow its bicycling culture through local leadership, community support, and thoughtful planning. From expanding trails and parks to celebrating Bicycle Safety Month, the city is taking steps that reflect its values of health, wellness, and active living. While there’s still work ahead, Ridgeland is charting a path forward that other communities in Mississippi—and beyond—can look to for inspiration.

This publication was made possible by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Contract #47QRAA20D003W). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC. These efforts are part of the CDC’s Active People, Healthy NationSM Initiative that is working to help 27 million Americans become more physically active by 2027. 

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