Reach Out to Elected Officials

While the League is working to make a difference in local, state and federal jurisdictions for bicycling, it is vital that our members get involved as well. Here are some tips about how to get the attention of community leaders.

Advocacy Center

Visit our Advocacy Center to find out about the latest issues happening in your backyard and across the United States. This center will help you contact your U.S. representatives, stay informed on issues, and speak up for bicycling!

Work toward a formalized response letter

Several states have a process in place for cyclists to request complain of a driver behaving incorrectly.

In Massachusetts, the complaint letter can result in a response as varied as a letter to the offender all the way to a suspended license, depending on the infraction.

In Minnesota there is a similar site, and a great story about how writing a letter can effect change.

In Portland, Ore., a popular blogger sent out a question asking for "close calls," and is listing them.

Have you seen any other ways to report bad drivers? What does your state do? Help the League compile a list by emailing your ideas and stories to communication@bikeleague.org.

WORKING WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS

Preparation – It is essential to make a good first impression when approaching community leaders. Be prepared, be friendly and have a positive attitude. Remember that you are one among many vying for their attention and support. If you do not pay respect to demands on their schedule and position, then they will likely choose to lend support to other causes.

Listening – Listen to what leaders have to say. If you gain understanding of the parameters under which they work, you will likely have a better chance at advancing your agenda to fit within such parameters.

Facilitating Working Relationships – Try to accommodate before getting accommodations. It is always advantageous to provide something before asking for something in return. For instance, instead of setting up a protest to raise the issue of poor facilities in your locality, ask the leaders responsible to take a tour of the facilities in question with your club. You can make a negative situation a positive one for those involved. Instead of bashing leadership, you can incorporate them in the solution and provide political cover for a history of neglect. Plus, if they agree to tour the facilities, you have engaged them in the process and have begun to hold them accountable.

Focus on the Big Picture – Know your issue inside and out, but begin by touting your ideas/plans through a general approach. Leaders are usually generalist types, with a working knowledge of many issues, but true expertise in perhaps only a few. Prepare for detail, but sell your issue in general terms. If you are asked for detail, give it.

Honesty Is a Must – Never stretch the truth. If you are not sure about a question or issue raised, then admit it and promise to get back in touch with more information. Your credibility is a major part of your reputation. Never put it in jeopardy.

Always be Flexible – Politics is often a game of compromise. If you show the inability to meet halfway on an issue, you may likely get nothing instead of a considerable amount.

Be Aggressive, but Considerate – Ask for allot with the expectation that you won't get everything. If you don't ask, you will hardly ever receive.

Persistence Pays – Advocacy is like sales. Never give up. Don't be discouraged by people who tell you no, just be determined and find the people who share your goals, those that will say yes.

Focus Your Efforts – It is better to achieve small victories than to fight many battles with no beneficial outcomes. There are too many stories of groups who tried to do too much and ended up getting nothing accomplished. Narrow, specific focus is a good way to realize success.

Be Ambitious – While focusing on specifics is essential, it is important nonetheless to aim high. Have an organized strategy, but do not limit capabilities by selling your team short on expectations.