Bicycle Friendly America Winter 2018 - 3

RIDING TOGETHER IN 2018!

fter 15 years on staff at the League, working in every program, I'm thrilled to start 2018 as Executive Director. The
League is truly a unique organization on the national level;
with more than 80% of our revenue coming directly from individuals like you. We're truly an advocacy organization "by and
for" people who ride bicycles. But it's not just the financial support from so many that makes the work possible. You will see
in this issue of the magazine once again that it is the wheels on
the road, showing up to meetings, answering the action alert to
contact your members of Congress, teaching that class, leading
that ride and bringing a broad team together for change that
are the things that make our shared work to make bicycling
better for all possible. In my time here I have seen what can be
accomplished with League programs being used as tools by
people on the ground. The Bicycle Friendly America certification programs, National Bike Challenge and the Smart Cycling
education programs are effective because they are platforms for
collaboration and improvement for the change-makers in their
neighborhoods, workplaces and wider communities. Similarly,
the drivetrain of our work at the federal level is individuals who
are willing to take action and raise their voices when we see an
opportunity or threat here in Washington, D.C.
Now, more than ever, it's critically important that advocates
for better bicycling, safer streets, stronger communities and
better public health come together to stand firm amidst these
changing times both in Washington and in our communities.
As people who bicycle, we're facing countless challenges, including crumbling infrastructure, hazards to personal and environmental health, as well as continued threats to the safety
of people on bikes. The League is starting 2018 ready to spring
into action as the White House sets the tone for infrastructure
investment for the next generation. In the past decade, federal investments in bicycling and walking improvements have
doubled, thanks, in part, to our federal advocacy. We'll be making sure this critical funding to improve safety and accessibility
continues to expand and improve lives of more communities.
It's clear to us that in today's political climate, direct, face-toface interaction between citizens and their elected officials is

WINTER 2018

more important than ever. On Lobby Day at the National Bike
Summit last year, we engaged with 338 congressional offices -
that's over half of congress! At the 2018 National Bike Summit
from March 5-7, we'll be gathering even more people to share
their stories and the needs of people who bicycle with their decision makers. I hope you can join us in March in Washington,
D.C. In addition, we have a fantastic year ahead of us. In 2018
we will:
* Protect the rights and safety of people who bicycle in the
upcoming federal infrastructure initiative;
* Promote the Bicycle Friendly State priorities to make bicycling safe and accessible in every state;
* Activate our network of more than 200 thousand advocates to take action on building Bicycle Friendly Communities, Businesses and Universities;
* Certify 500 new League Cycling Instructors to reach people in their communities with bicycling education, with a
special emphasis on reaching underserved communities;
* Better equip our current 5,500 League Cycling Instructors in every state to give people the skills and confidence
to ride where they want to go;
* Strengthen our state and local advocacy partners through
the Active Transportation Leadership Institute; and
* Gather the network of advocates to take action through
National Bike Summit, National Bike Month, and the
National Bike Challenge.
I will close by extending a heartfelt thank you from all of us
at the League. We are proud to represent you and work with
you to build a Bicycle Friendly America for all. Thanks for riding with us!

Bill Nesper
Executive Director

BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA 3

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Bicycle Friendly America Winter 2018