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 buildings, can take years to complete as they go through draft designs and review hearings. By following the approval process you can make sure that these projects provide adequate paths and parking for bicycles. Contact your city’s planning department for a list of current projects. Some cities have email lists for those interested in new projects. The planning department should be able to provide you with information about each project. Once you’ve looked the project over, you can write letters to the Planning Commission or testify in-person to suggest improvements. Improvements for bikes are usually inexpensive if they are considered early in the process and most developers are will to accommodate them. The Bay Meadows project in San Mateo is a good example of advocacy paying dividends.
Befriend City Staff and Officials
Cities change direction either because an enlightened staff member decides to lead or city council members insist that the city change. By getting to know your city’s senior staff and elected officials, you can influence them to support bicycling. Attend city events like council meetings, ground-breakings, and celebrations and then introduce yourself to the Mayor or Public Works Director. The more you run into these people, the more likely you will have an opportunity to suggest new ideas and comment on existing conditions. If you work with them in good-faith, you can build a relationship that pays dividends.
Join an SVBC Committee
Members who feel advocacy is important and enjoy doing it like to meet with other advocates. These groups meet regularly to talk about bike issues and what we can do about them. Members exchange ideas and work on projects of mutual interest. SVBC’s Peninsula Committee is one group that meets monthly in Redwood City over dinner to talk about bicycling in San Mateo County.