PeopleForBikes

PeopleForBikes is a U.S. nonprofit organization working to make bicycling better and more accessible. It brings together bicycle-industry businesses and other supporters around advocacy for bicycling, with activity focused on public policy, infrastructure, safety, and participation. Its identity is that of an advocacy coalition and sector organization rather than a bicycle manufacturer, retailer, or consumer product label. The organization traces its roots to Bikes Belong, an industry-backed bicycle advocacy effort established in 1999. The PeopleForBikes name became the public-facing identity as the organization broadened its work beyond representing the bicycle industry to promoting bicycling and better places to ride more generally. It works with businesses, public officials, advocacy organizations, and communities on policies and projects intended to support everyday and recreational cycling. PeopleForBikes’ offerings are primarily programs and resources rather than goods for sale. Its work includes federal and local advocacy, public education, support for bicycle infrastructure, and tools intended to help people understand and improve bicycle networks. Its widely known City Ratings initiative assesses how well cities serve people who ride bikes. The organization also engages with the bicycle business community and supports efforts to grow participation in bicycling. The organization operates primarily in the United States. It is not a publicly traded company and does not have a conventional corporate parent or commercial owner; it is organized as a nonprofit advocacy organization. Jenn Dice has served as its president and chief executive officer. Its positioning combines industry coalition-building with public-interest advocacy: it seeks to advance bicycling through policy change, investment, and improved riding conditions.

PeopleForBikes developed from Bikes Belong, a U.S. bicycle-industry advocacy effort established in 1999. Bikes Belong was formed to build support for bicycling and to advance policies and projects that could improve conditions for riding. Its industry roots shaped an enduring part of the organization’s identity: convening bicycle businesses and coordinating their support for bicycle-friendly policy and infrastructure. As its agenda and audience expanded, the organization adopted PeopleForBikes as its public-facing identity. The change reflected a broader emphasis on people who ride and on creating places where bicycling is practical and appealing, rather than a focus limited to the bicycle business community. Under the PeopleForBikes name, it has combined industry coalition work with public-facing campaigns, research, and efforts to influence transportation policy. The organization’s work has included advocacy at federal, state, and local levels; promoting investment in bicycle infrastructure; and collaborating with communities and decision-makers. It has also developed resources to assess bicycling conditions and communicate how cities can improve them. City Ratings is one such initiative: it evaluates cities’ bikeability and gives communities a way to compare conditions and identify opportunities for improvement. PeopleForBikes is a nonprofit organization rather than a commercial manufacturer or retailer. Its activities and programs are aimed at changing the environment in which bicycles are used and increasing the number of people who can ride safely and conveniently. The coalition model allows the organization to work with businesses while also engaging public agencies, advocates, and local communities. Jenn Dice has served as president and CEO. The organization remains active in U.S. bicycling advocacy, with its central positioning focused on making bicycling better for more people.

• 1999

  Bikes Belong established

• PeopleForBikes adopted as public-facing identity

A U.S. nonprofit bicycling advocacy coalition connecting the bicycle industry, policymakers, and communities to promote better riding conditions, infrastructure, and participation.

• City Ratings

  An initiative that evaluates cities’ bikeability and provides a resource for understanding and improving local bicycling conditions.

• Bicycling advocacy programs

  Advocacy and coalition work supporting policies, investment, and infrastructure intended to improve bicycling.

1. 1PeopleForBikes official websitepeopleforbikes.org
2. 2PeopleForBikes Launches Data Suite, the Bicycle Industry's Own Premium Data Platformbicycleretailer.com