Bicycle Alliance History
In the fall of 1994
The Northwest Bicycle Federation (NowBike) and the Bicycle
Federation of Washington (BFW) merged to become the Northwest
Bicycle Federation (NowBike). The BFW, a state-wide lobbying
organization, incorporated in 1982. NowBike, a regional non-profit
advocacy group, was incorporated in 1987. The merger combines
the talents and memberships of these two successful groups
to form a single state-wide voice for Washington bicyclists.
In the summer of 1998, the Board
of Directors voted to change the name to the Bicycle Alliance
of Washington. The mission of the organization hasn't changed.
The name better reflects our work.
The Bicycle Alliance's Accomplishments
The list is long! It includes:
- Formation and support of bicycle advisory boards and
citizens groups in towns and counties around the state.
- Participation in statewide and Puget Sound transportation
funding decisions that resulted in millions of dollars for
stand-along bicycle projects in the last year.
- The Bicycle Alliance also lead the charge to veto a portion
of the transportation budget which would have eliminated
$5 million in transportation enhancements funding for bicycle
projects.
- Passage of the Cooper Jones Act in the Washington State
legislature: A bicycle and pedestrian safety education bill.
- Monitoring of state legislation affecting cycling. Prevention
of bad bicycle bills.
- Co-organization of three annual statewide conferences,
Foot Prints & Bike Tracks, on bicycle & pedestrian
funding, education, design, and advocacy which was attended
by more that 300 advocates, bureaucrats and elected officials.
- Oil Smart Bicycle rally and work place bicycle commuting
campaign. Production and distribution of the monthly newsletter,
the annual Bicycle Ride Calendar and many other information
sheets.
Funding
Funding for legislative action comes from donations made through
many of the bicycle events found in this calendar. The Bicycle
Alliance also receives grants from private organizations like
the Bullitt Foundation; from corporate sponsors like
REI and
WRQ;
$1 per member from some bicycle clubs; funds from from two yearly events: the Bicycle Auction in the fall
and RAPSody in the summer; from our members; and from participation
in Earth Share of Washington which solicits work place donations.
The Bicycle Alliance NEEDS YOU!
Effective organizations are two things: People and Money.
We need volunteers to sit on transportation committees, facilitate
Bike Alliance activities, and help with publications and other
tasks. None of this can happen without money. Join
the Bike Alliance as a member or a business. Contribute
to the Fall auction (We need thousands of dollars worth of
services and merchandise to make the event successful.) Attend
Bike Alliance events and bring your friends. Get the word
out. Tell everyone what we are doing and how they can help.
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