Bikes Belong will award $26,400 in grants this month to four innovative bicycling projects. The trails and programs supported by these grants will increase opportunities for urban riding and promote cycling safety, effectively putting more people on bicycles more often!

Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia—Philadelphia, PA

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia will receive a $5,000 grant to help develop a Bicycle Ambassadors program in the city. Ambassadors will attend community events to teach bicycle safety and etiquette, and they will serve as mentors by helping new bike commuters and recreational cyclists ride safely and confidently. The Bicycle Ambassadors will also lead weekly rides based at local bike shops. The program will inspire cyclists of all abilities to explore Philadelphia by bike. More about the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.

One Less Car—Baltimore, MD

Maryland's One Less Car will receive $5,000 to help develop ARROW—Alternative Rides and Routes to Work. This workplace-based initiative, modeled after a remarkably successful bike-to-work program in Victoria, B.C., will encourage bicycling as well as other alternative modes of commuting. By providing new riders and seasoned cyclists with information, training, mentorship, and ongoing support, the ARROW program will eliminate barriers to bike commuting and promote active transportation. This program will also help to create a higher demand for bicycle facilities in Baltimore, such as designated lanes and multi-use paths, encouraging the city to implement its Bicycle Master Plan. More about One Less Car.

Friends of the Falling Water Trail—Jackson, MI

The Friends of the Falling Water Trail will receive $10,000 to help expand their local trail system. This grant will leverage state funding to grade and pave a 10.5-mile abandoned railbed from Jackson to Concord, Michigan, providing a safe place for bicyclists of all ages and abilities to ride. It will also connect to an existing 3.5-mile pathway that spans the town of Jackson, enhancing opportunities for bike commuters. The trail could be finished as early as fall of 2006. More about the Friends of the Falling Water Trail.

Richmond-Area MORE—Richmond, VA

A $6,400 grant will go to the Richmond chapter of the Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE) to complete the final phase of the Northtrail. Dubbed the “Maymont Fence Project” by trailbuilders and riders, this last leg of the trail will be complete once a fence is moved in historic Maymont Park and the trail is built beside it. The Northtrail is part of an extensive network of urban mountain bike routes within the city's James River Park System. These unique and exciting trails enhance opportunities for recreation and adventure in downtown Richmond. They also serve as courses for numerous mountain bike events including the Nissan XTERRA’s East Coast Championship Race. More about MORE. :view/grants/awarded:Search all our grants.]