Get Involved
There are tons of ways to be a bike advocate. Here are several of the many things you can do.
Join a BPAC
Many California agencies that fund bicycle projects require cities to have Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committees composed of residents. These committees help cities determine and craft the projects they will seek to fund. Being a member of a BPAC gives you influence in the process of improving your city’s bicycle facilities. Depending on the city, BPAC members are either officially appointed or informal members. Ask your city to appoint you or put you on a waiting list if necessary. If your city doesn’t have a BPAC, ask it to create one. Check the resources section to find out when your BPAC meets.
Fix Problems
As you ride through your city and notice problems, don’t just get frustrated, do something about it. Is there a huge pothole on your route to work? Is the detector at a major intersection malfunctioning? Are there too few spots to park your bike at the local library? If the problem is safety-related, call the local Public Works Department, describe the problem, and request that it be fixed. Cities are often very responsive to safety issues if they are aware of them. Letters are a good way to tackle bigger issues. By writing a letter sometimes you can describe a complicated issue more clearly. You also “go on the record.” You and the city will have a written history of an issue that may take a while to solve. Letters to the city council, with copies to the Directors of Public Works or Planning as appropriate, usually catch the attention of staff
Follow City Budgeting
An old saying goes “follow the money.” If a city hasn’t budgeted for bicycle planning and infrastructure, it probably won’t happen. If a city has a budget for bicycling projects, the size of the budget indicates how important it thinks bicycling is. Look for the time when the city sets its annual budget. This is the opportunity to comment on the city’s priorities and suggest ways to spend money on bicycle projects. Many cities also have capital improvement programs that plan for big expenditures over longer periods. A bicycle project successfully placed in the CIP can substantially improve bicycling in the city.
Comment on Developments
Most cities have a planning process for new developments. The larger the development, the more scrutiny it receives from the city. Big developments, such as condominium complexes, shopping centers, and office