News

New study finds bicycling generates $435 million annually in Iowa

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:00 GMT

Bicycling benefits the economy in a surprising number of ways. Tourism, retail, events, construction, health care costs, congestion costs, employee productivity, and real estate values are all affected by bicycling. Because bicycling touches the economy in so many aspects, it's rare to see studies quantify a comprehensive list of economic benefits. There are just so many factors to consider! However, we're starting to see more state-level studies that include a wider variety of economic aspects, like the $1.5-billion-a-year estimate from Wisconsin and this just-released report from Iowa.The Iowa Bicycle Coalition worked with the University of Northern Iowa to produce the report, titled Economic and Health Benefits of Bicycling in Iowa (view full report). Bikes Belong supported the study through our Research Grant program. The report totaled spending by individual cyclists, bicycle retail sales, economic activity generated by bicycle organizations, and health cost savings in the State of Iowa. The result: $435 million per year in economic activity, plus $82 million in annual health cost savings. Not bad for an annual infrastructure investment by the state of approximately $3 million. Here's the breakdown of where the benefits come from:$365 million - Recreational cyclists (plus $74 million in reduced health care costs)$52 million - Commuter cyclists (plus $13 million in reduced health care costs) $18 million - Bicycle retailers $0.3 million - Bicycle organizationsThe report doesn't explicitly include the economic benefit of the popular bike event RAGBRAI, which in a separate study by University of Northern Iowa is listed at nearly $17 million per year.With a total annual benefit of more than $522 million dollars versus a $3 million investment, bicycling is a great investment for Iowa. Still, we need more studies like this. That's one reason why Bikes Belong created our Research Grant program. If your state advocacy group is in need of an economic impact study, please consider partnering with a local university and applying for one of our grants.

Bikes Belong seeks Seasonal Events Managers (teams of two)

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:00 GMT

Location: Boulder, Colorado (Based) Industry: NonprofitStatus: Seasonal/Employee  Job Description: We are seeking four new staffers (two separate teams of two individuals each) to help grow our Peopleforbikes.org (PFB) pledge base even further in 2012. The Seasonal Events Teams coordinate and lead all seasonal events for the PFB campaign. We are seeking to represent PFB at multiple events throughout the United States. One team will be based mostly in the western half of the country, and the other team will serve events on the eastern half. This position is seasonal, with employee status, along with a set salary of $12,500 per person for the duration of the project (roughly six months). On the road, most expenses will be absorbed by Bikes Belong (within a daily per diem guideline). Start date for part-time work (hours are flexible) is March 1, 2012. Must be available full-time beginning April 1, 2012. Work hours from May through September require weekends, with driving and occasional events on weekdays. A new Volkswagen Peopleforbikes.org branded vehicle will be provided for transportation to and from events. Duties and Responsibilities: • Research the best events for PFB and plan seasonal event schedule• Orchestrate all details for each event (i.e. shipping, arrival/departure times, space requirements, materials needed, etc) • Organize volunteers to assist at each event• Travel to all events• Make travel arrangements for you and your partner for each event• Handle the logistics of setup, takedown, and booth maintenance at each event• Lead efforts to collect pledges for PFB at each event• Act as an ambassador for the PFB and Bikes Belong programs, answer questions knowledgably and professionally• Capture photos and video clips at each event• Upload photos/video/short messages about events to social media channels• Strive to make connections at each event that will lead to further promotion of the PFB movement• As time allows, manually enter collected written pledges into Excel• Trip reports and other regular documentation is filed on a recurring basis• Other duties as assigned Job Qualifications:• Previous experience managing events• Ability to act as a professional and responsible ambassador for our brand• Good “people person” with strong customer service and oral communication skills• Team-oriented and able to accept ideas and strategy from other individuals• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail • A positive attitude and the ability to be flexible in the face of changing priorities and requirements• Ability to compose well-framed photos• Proficiency creating basic videos• Experience using social media, including YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight• Willing to travel regularly• Must possess a valid drivers license and be willing to drive between events as needed• Direct experience in the bicycling industry, outdoor industry, or nonprofit desirableBeneficial Qualifications:• Bachelor’s Degree in Business (Marketing/Public Relations, Communications, Management) or related field• Anyone is welcome to apply, but couples have historically worked well given the unique nature of working with a partner for long periods of time, away from home• A love of travel and a sense of adventure• Enthusiasm for bicycling in all its forms (commuting, recreation and sport)Compensation and Benefits:  This position is seasonal with a set salary of $12,500 per individual for the approximate six month commitment. In addition, a per diem is provided to help offset or absorb all necessary travel expenses. Consequently, due to the nature of the position, most of the standard living expenses are covered.  How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references as one PDF file to Sarah Murer, Office Administrator, at sarah@bikesbelong.org. • All materials should be received by February 8, 2012• Telephone inquiries are not accepted.• Please include “Events Manager” and your name in the subject line of your email application.See pictures of some of the PFB events from last year.   Bikes Belong is an equal opportunity employer.

Volkswagen partners with Bikes Belong to create clean, safe biking communities nationwide

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:00 GMT

At the Washington Auto Show today, Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) and the Bikes Belong Foundation, the nation’s leading advocacy organization for biking, announced a new two-year partnership to help develop biking-friendly communities, foster healthy lifestyles and create a cleaner environment. VWoA will donate vehicles and funding to support three core Bikes Belong advocacy and urban planning initiatives: Peopleforbikes.org, Safe Routes to School National Partnership (SRTSNP) and Bicycling Design Best Practices.“Volkswagen’s commitment to environmental sustainability extends beyond our fuel-efficient vehicles and company practices,” said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “We are extremely proud to be partnering with Bikes Belong to encourage biking and ensure that people of all ages can safely share the road, saving fuel and reducing pollution and traffic congestion.” The sponsorship is part of Volkswagen’s Think Blue.® initiative, which encompasses all of the company’s efforts to promote eco-friendly mobility and encourage environmentally conscious behavior. The Bikes Belong Foundation partnership also aligns with Volkswagen’s long-term commitment to encourage active lifestyles by endorsing cycling, running and triathlon events.“We are thrilled to have a strong partner in Volkswagen, an innovative, forward-thinking automotive company that shares our commitment to sustainable mobility,” said Bruno Maier, vice president, Bikes Belong. “We are looking forward to this joint venture to help create safer roads for all people and help raise awareness of bicycling as a viable, eco-friendly mode of transportation.” For further information about Volkswagen’s Think Blue.® campaign, go to www.vw.com/thinkblue.

Bikes Belong selects Ivette Rivera as Vice President of Government Relations

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:00 GMT

Bikes Belong today named Ivette Rivera as its vice president of government relations. Rivera, who will be based in D.C., begins immediately.She will focus on the bicycling funding and policy components of the federal transportation reauthorization bill and will work closely with Congress, the Administration and Bikes Belong’s key partner organizations under the America Bikes coalition umbrella. In addition, Rivera will further develop alliances with transportation, road building, business, tourism and health care interests—all of whom gain from federal investments that make bicycling safer and easier. Rivera previously served as the executive director of legislative affairs for the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). She worked at NADA in a variety of legislative leadership roles for more than 20 years.“Ivette has tremendous Capitol Hill contacts across the board,” said Bikes Belong President Tim Blumenthal. “She thoroughly understands transportation policy and funding issues and will provide great leadership as we work to improve bicycling in ways that benefit all Americans.”Rivera said, "With bicycling more popular than ever, I am eager to work with the Bikes Belong Coalition to demonstrate the need for a national strategy to make roads safe for bicycle riders. I look forward to helping policymakers recognize the health and economic benefits of investing in bicycle infrastructure.”Rivera earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Colorado, and a master’s in government from Johns Hopkins University. She is an avid runner who enjoys biking with her family.Rivera can be reached at ivetterivera@bikesbelong.org.

Alliance for Biking & Walking releases 2012 Benchmarking Report

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00 GMT

Today the Alliance for Bicycling and Walking released the third edition of its Benchmarking Report, which ranks all 50 states and the 51 largest U.S. cities on bicycling and walking levels, safety, funding, and other factors. This report comes at a critical moment, with the federal transportation bill set to expire at the end of March. The Benchmarking Report reveals that, in nearly every city and state, bicyclists and pedestrians currently receive less than a fair share of transportation dollars. While 12 percent of trips in the U.S. are by bike or foot, bicycle and pedestrian projects receive less than 2 percent of federal transportation dollars.The 2012 Benchmarking Report compiles persuasive evidence that bicycle and pedestrian projects create more jobs than highway projects, and provide at least three dollars of benefit for every dollar invested. The report also highlights the health benefits of active transportation, showing that states with the highest rates of bicycling and walking are also among those with the lowest rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. "The data points to one conclusion: Investing in biking and walking projects creates jobs, leads to more people biking and walking, and improves safety and public health," Alliance President Jeffrey Miller says.John Pucher, a professor at Rutgers University, emphasizes: "The wide range of environmental, social, and economic benefits of walking and bicycling, so clearly documented in this report, justify greatly increased investment in facilities and programs to encourage more walking and cycling, and to improve the safety of these most sustainable of all transportation modes." Other highlights from the report include: • In 2009, 40% of trips in the United States were shorter than 2 miles, yet 87% of these trips are by car. Twenty-seven percent of trips were shorter than 1 mile. Still, Americans use their cars for 62% of these trips. • While bicycling and walking fell 66% between 1960 and 2009, obesity levels increased 156%. • Seniors are the most vulnerable bicyclists and pedestrians. Adults over 65 make up 10% of walking trips, yet comprise 19% of pedestrian fatalities. This age group accounts for 6% of bicycling trips, yet 10% of bicyclist fatalities. • Bicycling and walking projects create 11-14 jobs per $1 million spent, compared to just 7 jobs created per $1 million spent on highway projects. Cost benefit analysis show that up to $11.80 in benefits can be gained for every $1 invested in bicycling and walking. • On average, the largest 51 U.S. cities show a 29% increase in bicycle facilities since the 2010 report. Cities report that 20,908 miles of bicycle facilities and 7,079 miles of pedestrian facilities are planned for the coming years (much of this contingent upon funding).Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2012 Benchmarking Report was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and made possible through additional support from AARP and Planet Bike. To view rankings of the 50 states and 51 largest U.S. cities, and to download or purchase a hard copy of the report visit www.PeoplePoweredMovement.org/benchmarking.

Bikes Belong seeks Senior Marketing Manager

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:00 GMT

Senior Marketing ManagerLocation: BoulderIndustry: NonprofitStatus: Full-timeJob Description:This individual will directly oversee, manage, and produce all marketing and communications for Bikes Belong Coalition and Foundation. This is a full time position, based in our Boulder office. Duties and Responsibilities: • Directly oversees, manages, and produces all marketing and communications efforts for Bikes Belong• Collaborates in the ongoing development of the Bikes Belong and Peopleforbikes.org brands• Works closely with the Vice President and Finance Director to adhere to budget guidelines and deliver on marketing objectives• Plans and oversees the advertising and promotion activities for Bikes Belong and Peopleforbikes.org• Assists in managing other employees, as it relates to marketing projects• Works with team to write and edit newsletters, brochures, annual reports, press releases, advertisements, and other marketing collateral• Directs strategy for the Peopleforbikes.org individual outreach campaign• Directs the development, maintenance, and content of the Bikes Belong website and the Peopleforbikes.org website• Collaborates with Vice President and President on PR strategy and oversees management of PR agency. • Interfaces and coordinates with vendors, including marketing consultants, advertising agencies, website companies, photographers, printers, etc.• Plans and coordinates booth materials for trade shows and other events; staffs booths• Plans, coordinates, and provides art direction for photo shoots• Contributes to the upkeep and maintenance of a small office• Other duties as assignedJob Qualifications:• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field• At least 5 years prior experience in marketing and/or communications. • Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint• Proficiency with design software including InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop• Skills in photography and a keen eye for look and design• Working knowledge of HTML • Experience managing websites and creating content for the web• Good interpersonal skills and able to cooperate and communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisor and outside contacts• Excellent organizational skills as well as proficiency in verbal and written communication • Team-oriented and able to accept ideas and strategy from other individuals• Work well under pressure• Attentive to detail• Self-directed and able to carry out assignments without supervision• Willing to travel occasionally• Enthusiasm for bicycling in all its formsBeneficial Qualifications:• Direct experience in the bicycling or outdoor industry highly desirableCompensation and Benefits: The organization pays a competitive salary, commensurate with experience. In addition, a generous benefits package is included. How to Apply:Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references as one PDF file to Erik Esborg, Finance Director, at erik@bikesbelong.org. • All materials should be received by Tuesday, Jan. 31. • The position will remain open until filled.• Telephone inquiries are not accepted.• Please include “Marketing Manager” and your name in the subject line of your email application.Bikes Belong is an equal opportunity employer.Company Description:The Bikes Belong Coalition (bikesbelong.org) is the U.S. bicycle industry organization dedicated to getting more people riding bikes more often. Bikes Belong works to increase federal bike funding, awards grants to support innovative bike projects, promotes bicycling and its benefits, and backs crucial national efforts such as Safe Routes to School, Bicycle Friendly Communities, and the National Bike Summit. The affiliated Bikes Belong Foundation focuses on improving bicycle safety and enhancing children's bike programs. Bikes Belong also manages the Peopleforbikes.org campaign, an unprecedented effort to unite one million Americans behind a pledge in support of better bicycling in the U.S.

Bikes Belong seeks Accounting & Human Resources Assistant

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:00 GMT

Accounting & Human Resources Assistant (Part Time)Location: BoulderIndustry: NonprofitStatus: Part-timeJob Description:To meet the needs of our growing organizations, we are expanding the Accounting and Human Resources department. The Accounting & Human Resources Assistant directly assists the Finance Director in performing various bookkeeping and human resources tasks. This position is a new part time position (approximately 10 – 15 hours/week) and consequently offers schedule flexibility. Duties and Responsibilities: • Performing bookkeeping tasks, using QuickBooks for Windows, as needed for the accounting department. These tasks include preparing bank deposits, posting receipts, entering payables and staff credit card charges into QuickBooks. • Invoicing members periodically, using SalesForce software, which includes mail preparation• Other bookkeeping duties as assigned• Performing data entry reflecting donations from various fundraising events • For Human Resources duties, the candidate would ensure compliance with various state’s labor departments, including the filing of state registration paperwork• Providing new-hire packets to out-of-state employees • Serving as a contact person for all general human resources needs• Other human resources duties as assigned Job Qualifications:• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Business/Human Resources or related field• At least 2 years prior experience in accounting and bookkeeping • Experience working with QuickBooks• A solid understanding of basic accounting principles• Familiarity with using a SalesForce database is a plus• Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint• Excellent verbal and written communication skills• Team-oriented and able to accept ideas and strategy from other individuals• Candidate must be willing to follow instruction and be very detail oriented, while setting priorities and meeting deadlines• Strong organizational skills • A positive attitude and the ability to be flexible in the face of changing priorities and requirements• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight• Enthusiasm for bicycling in all its forms is a plus• Direct experience in the bicycling industry, outdoor industry, or nonprofit highly desirableCompensation and Benefits: The position pays $18-$21/hour. A set amount of hours worked each week is not guaranteed, but based rather on weekly needs. Due to the initial low time commitment of this new position, benefits are limited in scope. However, there may be the opportunity for the position to be expanded to reflect Bikes Belong’s anticipated future growth.How to Apply:Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references as one PDF file to Erik Esborg, Finance Director, at erik@bikesbelong.org. • All materials should be received by Tuesday, Jan. 31. • The position will remain open until filled.• Telephone inquiries are not accepted.• Please include “Bookkeeper” and your name in the subject line of your email application.Bikes Belong is an equal opportunity employer.Company Description:The Bikes Belong Coalition (bikesbelong.org) is the U.S. bicycle industry organization dedicated to getting more people riding bikes more often. Bikes Belong works to increase federal bike funding, awards grants to support innovative bike projects, promotes bicycling and its benefits, and backs crucial national efforts such as Safe Routes to School, Bicycle Friendly Communities, and the National Bike Summit. The affiliated Bikes Belong Foundation focuses on improving bicycle safety and enhancing children's bike programs. Bikes Belong also manages the Peopleforbikes.org campaign, an unprecedented effort to unite one million Americans behind a pledge in support of better bicycling in the U.S.

Federal funding for bicycling: The challenges continue

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:00 GMT

The long-term status of federal transportation funding, including support for bicycling infrastructure, remains uncertain. Current funding is guided by a law called SAFETEA-LU that was originally approved in July 2005, expired in September 2009, and has been extended by Congress eight times since then. The latest extension expires March 31, 2012—making the next few months a crucial period for federal bicycling advocacy.SAFETEA-LU has provided unprecedented support for bicycling. Its funding has been combined with state and local money to build thousands of new bike paths, lanes, bridges, tunnels and trails in all 50 states. An ambitious Safe Routes to School program has been successfully launched. Bicycling for short trips and commuting has grown coast-to-coast, providing a series of important, cost-saving benefits for a modest investment that is slightly more than one percent of overall federal transportation funding.Today the future of this investment is far from guaranteed, as Congress wrestles with a projected deficit in the Highway Trust Fund that provides the bulk of federal transportation dollars as well as an overall annual deficit that hit a record $1.3 trillion in the last fiscal year.Congress appears to be closer to passing a new, long-term bill than it has been since 2008. Current proposals for that bill don’t back bicycling in the ways that SAFETEA-LU has. A small sum of dedicated funding has been key to bicycling’s recent growth and safety advances, but none of the current draft versions of the next bill include this element.Last fall we were successful in defeating several Congressional attacks on dedicated funding for bicycling and walking. While these investments are popular with local governments and the public, some U.S. senators and representatives (as well as state departments of transportation leaders) want to restrict federal transportation spending to highway construction and repairs.When Congress reconvenes in late January, their transportation priority will be Federal Aviation Administration legislation. Once (and if) they get through that, they are likely to turn to the overall transportation bill.By the end of March, Congress must either approve a new, multi-year bill or extend SAFETEA-LU again. Either way, bicycling investments are likely to be challenged.Bikes Belong will likely issue a call to action to our members to weigh in with their members of Congress about the economic and overall benefits of continuing this dedicated support for bicycling infrastructure. The Peopleforbikes.org support group—now nearly a half million strong—will rally as well. Finally, the annual National Bike Summit, held March 20-22 in Washington, will serve as a well-timed opportunity to reiterate our key points on Capitol Hill.The federal investment in bicycling provides exceptional benefits for very few dollars. It reduces road congestion and air pollution, and helps individuals and government agencies save money. It directly addresses our obesity crisis—one of the most daunting challenges we face today. Stay tuned for information on how to preserve this essential investment in our country's future.

Performance Bicycle joins Bikes Belong

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:00 GMT

Performance Bicycle, the nation’s premier cycling retailer, is the newest member of the Bikes Belong Coalition. Additionally, Performance Bicycle CEO David Pruitt will serve on the Bikes Belong Coalition Board of Directors.“We’re thrilled to have Performance Bicycle in the coalition, and that David has agreed to serve on our Board,” said Tim Blumenthal, President of Bikes Belong. “Performance’s membership will not only increase the exposure of our organization, but most importantly, help us build awareness for cycling and get more Americans on bikes. Their participation will help us advance cycling through events, grant programs, advocacy and more.”“Bikes Belong is a natural fit for Performance,” said David Pruitt, CEO, Performance Bicycle. "Our passion for cycling and commitment to our local communities align perfectly with the coalition’s mission. We look forward to working with Bikes Belong to encourage more people across the country to participate in cycling, and to help the coalition bring awareness to issues that affect cycling at the local, state and federal levels.”In 2010, Performance Bicycle helped gather signatures for Peopleforbikes.org (PFB), a multi-faceted campaign to get 1 million Americans to sign a pledge for safer and more convenient bicycling in America. Performance Bicycle will continue to support PFB.

Bikes Belong Awards $62,500 in Grants

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:00 GMT

Bikes Belong is delighted to announce support for five great projects in our Fall 2011 grant cycle as well as two grant recipients through the Bikes Belong Foundation Research Grant Program. These awards support innovative bicycle projects and studies with the common goal of putting more people on bicycles more often.The Bikes Belong Grants Program is funded by our Employee Pro Purchase Program. Many thanks to the following participating members and their employees for making these awards possible:TrekSpecializedFujiGiantCannondaleShimanoFor more about the Grants Program, click here. Community GrantsConnect the Bike Lanes: 5th Street - Georgia Tech (Atlanta, GA)The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition will use innovations from the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide in this project to connect two segments of existing bike lanes along a popular corridor. Partners Georgia Tech, the City of Atlanta, and the Midtown Alliance share the goals of increasing safety and accessibility while making riding an appealing transportation option on campus and throughout the city. Bikes Belong’s grant of $10,000 will fund material costs while leveraging in-kind donations of engineering and design work.Connecting San Francisco With Next Generation Bikeways (San Francisco, CA)This $10,000 grant will help the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition Education Fund lead community outreach efforts and engage stakeholders in the planning and design of three priority crosstown bikeways. In partnership with the Department of Public Health, the Mayor’s Office, and David Baker Partners, this project will help San Francisco work toward its goal of 20% bicycling mode share by 2020.Greenline Connection Project (Memphis, TN)Livable Memphis, in partnership with the City of Memphis and the Historic Broad Avenue Business District, will use this $10,000 grant from Bikes Belong to help construct a two-mile separated bikeway connecting Overton Park with the Shelby Farms Park Greenline. This critical segment will link two parks, a low-income neighborhood, multiple businesses, and a local community center and make cycling an easy and safe transportation option.New Columbia Bicycle Skills Park and Community Hub (Portland, OR)The Community Cycling Center is revitalizing a vacant lot in the mixed-income New Columbia community in North Portland to promote bicycling skills and physical activity for children and youth. The Center will work closely with We All Can Ride, a group of local residents and community champions in the planning, maintenance, and management of this innovative project. Bikes Belong’s grant of $10,000 will add to support from partners Home Forward, ODS, and the Bike Gallery to build an age-appropriate skills course and pump track and develop a bike skills learning and repair center.Seward Avenue Bikeway (Grand Rapids, MI)This 3.5-mile bikeway will run along the western side of downtown Grand Rapids, connecting two major trails and providing safe cycling access to businesses, residential areas, and Grand Valley State University. The Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition, CycleSafe, and Freewheeler Bike Shop are donating cash, equipment, and assistance to this project, and Bikes Belong’s $5,000 grant will help fund engineering and design costs.Bikes Belong Foundation Research GrantsBenefits of the Swamp Rabbit Trail (Greenville, SC)Upstate Forever is partnering with a professor of health and exercise at Furman University in Greenville to measure the impact of the Swamp Rabbit Trail development on communities surrounding it. Bikes Belong’s grant of $10,000 will enable researchers to examine real estate values, interview business owners, real estate agents, transportation professionals, and local government officials, and conduct intercept surveys of trail users. The organization hopes to use this study to promote greenway and trail development across the region and the country.Bike-Share Station Local Economic Activity Study (Minneapolis, MN)This study will analyze the impact of Nice Ride station usage levels on local consumer-oriented business activity. With the help of this $7,500 grant, University of Minnesota researchers will survey and interview businesses within a quarter-mile of selected stations for information about changes in sales and in the number and type of customer visits. They will also include questions in the Nice Ride subscriber survey about expenditures and use of the bike share system. The data will help the team evaluate bike share station impact on local businesses and, more broadly, in the Twin Cities area.