Advocacy

 

In a country full of cars the bicycle seems to be the underdog. This is why the role of the bicycle advocate is so important. These advocates help make it safe for the rest of us to ride our bikes.

 

Below is a list of organizations that Bike Tech supports. Some with both our time and financial resources. These groups do a lot for our customers so we feel that encouraging them to do even more is in our best interests both as cyclists and as a bike shop.

 

If you are wanting to make a difference, need a tax write-off, or just want to spend some money be sure to put these groups at the top of your list.

 

 

Local Advocacy

 

** Mayor's Bicycle Task Force (CF) - created in the spring of 2008, this task force was developed to make Cedar Falls a Bicycle Friendly Community. Their goal is to make utilitarian bicycling a more common by city planning, education of cyclists and motorists, and encouraging citizens to ride their bikes. Cedar Falls has already achieved a Honorable Mention and hopes to earn a Gold level distinction in the near future.

 

** Cedar Trails Partnership - the Cedar Valley's very own advocacy group. The Cedar Trails Partnership (CTP) is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to the expansion and safety of the trails in the Cedarloo area. The CTP also runs the annual Cedar Trails Festival.

 

** Iowa Bicycle Coalition - a state-wide non-profit group promoting bicycling in Iowa as a safe and enjoyable form of transportation and recreation. The Iowa Bicycle Coalition (IBC) also hosts the Iowa Bicycle Summit and is responsible for the newly created "Share the Road" license plates seen on many vehicles.

 

** CVAST - Cedar Valley Area Soft Trails. Coming soon to a soft trail near you!

 

 

Nationwide Advocacy

 

** League of American Bicyclists - the League of American Bicyclists exists to promote bicycling for fun, fitness, and transportation. They work through advocacy and education and is responsible for things like the Bicycle Friendly Community Program and the Safe Routes to School Program.

 

** Bikes Belong - one of the nation's larger bicycle advocacy groups, Bikes Belong fights at the national level promoting the creation of new bike paths, lanes, trails, and programs. In doing so they hope to put more children on bikes, reduce the numbers of weight-related diseases, lessen pollution, and create friendlier communities.

 

** IMBA - the Internation Mountain Bike Association exists to protect, create, and enhance mountain biking worldwide. IMBA promotes responsible mountain biking, proper trail construction, bicycle safety and education, and healthy relationships with other trail user groups.

 

** Bike Tech is a member of this organization