We make sure that bikes are considered in new projects, encourage communities across city lines to pursue funding together, support ballot initiatives dedicated to outdoor recreation, andlobby for federal funding for path and trail development.

We support local groups focused on increasing outdoor participation, help cities rethink how to provide more opportunities for close-to-home bike riding, foster the development of pocket bike parks and force the prioritization of bike trails and parks in underserved communities.

We work with state departments of transportation to add or improve shoulders on major county and state arterial roads, work to require that funding for highway projects is contingent on adding/improving shoulders, and ask state departments of transportation to prioritize road improvements that improve bicyclists safety and benefit bike riders.

We help prioritize projects that serve historically underserved and disinvested communities, advance bills that provide financial incentives to recreate by bike, connect bike riding with health and wellness outcomes, force equity considerations in planning and value electric bicycle access on the same level as traditional bikes.

Bike riding opportunities in rural, non-urban areas are revenue raisers for local communities through tourism. We support funding and policy measures that help build out trail systems, connected bike networks and the infrastructure needed to cater to visitors and residents alike.

Every day, individuals are discovering the many benefits of electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) — they allow more individuals to get out and ride, regardless of their age or physical or cognitive abilities. Electric mountain bikes provide a needed boost to make climbing hills easier and going longer distances require less effort.

As eMTB technology evolves, more and more riders are asking themselves, “Where can I ride my eMTB?” Unfortunately, the answer is not always clear. Many state resource agencies lack modern-day regulations that govern electric bicycle use on natural surface and non-motorized trails. These outdated rules confuse many riders who are simply looking to ride their low-speed eMTB in the same places as traditional mountain bikes.

PeopleForBikes believes that electric bicycles are very similar to bicycles, and their rules and use should be similarly regulated. Modern day electric bicycle regulations have already been adopted in 28 states’ traffic codes thanks to legislators and advocates who saw the need to seamlessly modernize their policies to reflect the needs of today’s riders.

When it comes to off-road trail access for electric bicycles, governed by rules and regulations within state natural resource agencies, PeopleForBikes supports the adoption of electric bicycle rules that define three classes of electric bicycles and, at a minimum, allow Class 1 electric bicycles on non-motorized, natural surface trails that permit bicycle use. State resource agencies with regulations such as this can be found  below.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed. 

Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed. Wyoming State ParksDefines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed. 

Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1 and 2 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed. 

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation

Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1, 2 and 3 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed. 

Electric bicycles play an essential role in the future of modern outdoor experiences and regulations need to be in place that reflect the growing demand.

PeopleForBikes stands as a technical resource for land managers as they develop electric bicycle policies that suit the needs of their local communities. Once finalized, electric bicycle policies should be deployed with educational materials on trail etiquette. Many of the common issues experienced by all trail users can be alleviated through reminders on how to courteously share the trail. Trail etiquette materials are just one of the many resources PeopleForBikes provides to land managers to help make the transition to more modern electric bicycle policies.

 Materials on trail etiquette are just one of the many resources PeopleForBikes provides to land managers to help make the transition to modernize their agency’s code a simple process. Want to improve eMTB access in your area? Check out our electric bicycle webpage or reach out to PeopleForBikes’ Regulatory and Policy Analyst, Ashley Seaward at ashley@peopleforbikes.org.

Electric Mountain Bike Access in State Parks is Improving

While recent news out of Washington, D.C. may seem singularly focused, members of Congress continue to work steadily to advance priority legislation that preserves public lands and improves recreation opportunities.

Earlier this week, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed both the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Permanent Funding Act (S. 1081)  and the Restore our Parks Act (S. 500). If ultimately approved by the entire Senate, the House of Representatives and the president, these bills will benefit everyone who enjoys biking and recreating on our public lands. These initiatives can build on the John D. Dingell Conservation, Management and Recreation Act (S. 47), a major package of recreation and conservation legislation that became law earlier this year.

LWCF has a strong history of bipartisanship. It has funded parks, trails, athletic fields, and other types of recreation projects coast to coast. Permanent funding for LWCF holds tremendous promise for future generations of bike riders and public land lovers. We are proud to support S. 1081 that was introduced in April by Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO).

Our national parks are suffering from inadequate funding to perform essential maintenance of buildings, roads, bridges, trails, and water systems. The backlog is estimated to over $11 billion. ROPA, introduced by Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Mark Warner (D-VA), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), and Angus King (I-ME), would reinvest some of the energy revenues collected from public lands to address this shortfall. This legislation enjoys strong support from the outdoor recreation community. If approved, we hope the benefits can be extended to other federal land management agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service.

Back in September, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held hearings on other recreation priorities, including the Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act  (SOAR, S. 1665) and Recreation Not Red Tape Act (RNR, S. 1967). SOAR would streamline the permitting process for outdoor recreation on our public lands, and RNR would reduce barriers to access and recreation opportunity development.

These four pieces of legislation are the next iteration of recreation policies that Congress should package and approve for the benefit of all Americans. Our public lands stand at a precipice with increasing visitation numbers and a growing maintenance backlog. We must preserve our favorite places to ride bikes and assure that future generations can enjoy the full range of incredible experiences that are available to us today.

Senate Committee Votes Yes on Important Public Lands and Recreation Legislation

The leaves are turning, the air is crisp — fall is officially here. But the beauty of fall also means cooler temperatures, earlier sunsets and sometimes less than ideal weather. For the many of you who picked up biking for the first time or returned after a long hiatus this summer, the thought of braving colder weather while riding might feel intimidating. So, we collected six tips to keep you confidently riding through the next few months:
 

1. Quell your fears with cold-weather gear.

The right gear makes all the difference. Outfitting yourself with the items you need to stay warm, dry and comfortable while you ride will make your colder weather rides bearable and, dare we say it, even enjoyable.

Consider the length of your ride and the conditions you expect to encounter to help you determine what gear you’ll need. Do you live in an area with high rainfall? A waterproof shell and water resistant shoes will help keep you comfortable and dry throughout your ride. Wearing a moisture-wicking base layer underneath waterproof gear will also help by regulating your body temperature. Gloves and ear protection also go a long way in mitigating wind-induced discomfort.

If you haven’t yet experienced the joy of rain and mud splattering down your back all ride long, let us save you the trouble with this bit of advice: Invest in fenders. Depending on the type of bike you have, it might be as simple as purchasing a set of easily installable clip-on fenders. Talk with your local bike shop to see what style of fender works best for your bike.

You should already be in the habit of carrying a flat repair kit — if you’re not, now is the time to start! It’s never fun to get stuck with a flat, and it’s even less enjoyable to find yourself stranded with a flat in the middle of a downpour.

When moisture hits the road, conditions can change fast. Stick to the routes you’ve gotten comfortable with over the summer, avoid riding through puddles (it’s hard to gauge depth, and the water may be covering bigger hazards like potholes) and feather your brakes. In wet conditions, water and dirt can prevent rim brakes (brakes that squeeze the rim of your tire) from properly engaging. Feathering your brakes — squeezing them on and off until you feel them begin to get a grip — will help you safely stop when you need it most.

Daylight hours in summer are long and forgiving. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for fall and winter months. Always carry front and rear lights (and make sure they’re charged or have fresh batteries!) to avoid getting caught riding in the dark. Even the most basic set of lights increases your visibility to other traffic (cars, bikes, scooters, pedestrians) and can help illuminate your path.

Cold weather can make us fickle, even when we have the best intentions. Biking with a buddy makes the ride more fun and helps keep you both accountable by getting your butts off the couch and on your bike seats.

Let’s be honest: Even with all the right gear, the right attitude and an awesome riding buddy, riding in the cold isn’t always the most fun or appealing. But no one said you have to ride everyday. Instead, give yourself a goal of riding a set number of times each week, or shoot for an overall number of rides for the season. When you reach your goal, reward yourself with some new bike gear or whatever else you’ve had your eye on. In the meantime, a warm cup of hot chocolate or bowl of soup is another great way to reward yourself after a chilly ride.

Biking in colder weather might require more planning, but when you make the effort, fall rides can be rich with rewards: beautiful colors, rosy cheeks and the satisfaction of getting out on your bike. Grab some layers, fender up and enjoy the refreshingly cool breeze of an autumn ride.

This blog was originally published in 2018 but updated in 2020.

Six Tips to Carry Your Summer Biking Habit into Fall

COVID-19 has become a universal forcing function across all aspects of American life. Its devastating effects are making us reexamine how we work, gather, learn, shop, dine, access basic services and move around our cities and communities. We have changed our habits, are staying closer to home, reconnecting with our neighborhoods and turning to the bicycle in droves. 

You have seen the headlines and likely witnessed it firsthand — Americans are biking more. For short trips, for family recreation, to access essential services, to avoid crowded public transportation and for a safe and healthy way to simply get out of the house. Since late March, in towns big and small, we have seen an influx of new, returning and avid bicyclists take to the roads and we have officially entered a bike boom. Demand for most categories of bikes has doubled and national bike counters are averaging a 20 percent increase since March in daily riders (up 90 percent in some parts of the country).

More than just riding a bike for recreation and fun, we are witnessing a momentum for bikes as an instrument of change. Bikes can be a smart solution to help improve urban mobility, air quality, traffic congestion and mental and physical health. Bikes can also play an important role in our climate change goals, resiliency planning and mobility justice. 

As the new president and CEO of PeopleForBikes, my vision for biking in America is to emerge from COVID-19 better than before — for bikes, for our communities and for our planet. With your help, we can use this moment in time to make our communities better and safer for bikes. Let’s welcome and include new riders and help keep them going. Planning for a better future also means focusing on getting more kids on bikes. It doesn’t take much to help them develop bicycling as a lifelong hobby and passion. I believe that bikes can play an important role in helping America recover and we can show cities the many solutions they can provide.

There is momentum for bikes in many places: 

With gyms closed and camps and school activities canceled, family and recreational biking is going strong. More than 22 percent of Americans reported purchasing a bike since COVID-19 closures began with 27 percent intending to buy one this summer. Two-thirds of those who purchased a bicycle have children. Further, 85 percent of PeopleForBikes members said they introduced a new person to cycling during the COVID-19 pandemic and predict that 92 percent of these new riders will keep riding even after restrictions are lifted.

There is also momentum in Congress to fund bike-related programs at a much higher level, better connect bike paths to complete networks, cut down the red tape to access federal funding and link bikes to being part of a climate change solution. We have been working around the clock at the federal, state and local levels to increase funding and access for both recreational and transportation riding. 

To keep these new recreational and family riders going, help them discover great rides along with tips, tricks and peer support with Ride Spot. 

Momentum to Better Move Around Your City:

Not since the early 20th century have cities been able to experience life without cars. Clearer skies, quieter neighborhoods, open streets and the opportunity to safely move around a city offer residents the ability to observe their community through an entirely new lens. This renewed sense of community has accompanied a resurgent demand for safe and convenient bike networks nationwide. 

During COVID-19 closures, walking and biking have been among the most popular forms of exercise, and 40 percent of respondents indicate that they intend to walk or bike more often after COVID restrictions are lifted. Even more, there is momentum for changing the way our streets operate to support better biking now and into the future. In a survey conducted in May 2020 to evaluate public support for pop-up bike lane and street closures during the pandemic, 62 percent of respondents supported building bike lanes, 60 percent supported car-free areas and 30 percent supported reducing speed limits in residential areas. With careful, inclusive planning, cities have majority support from residents to build connected, comfortable mobility networks that allow everyone to travel throughout their communities safely.

Cities face an uncertain future: high unemployment, phased school re-openings, limited capacity on public transportation and projected budget deficits only serve to make a better case for why bicycling should become a central strategy to any community’s recovery plans. Whether it’s via protected bike lanes, traffic-calmed streets, bikeshare programs, bike commuting tax credits or e-bike purchase incentives, there is no faster, cheaper or cleaner way to move around a city than on a bike. We can give everyone more options to get where they need to go quickly and safely by building bike infrastructure into our transportation improvement planning. 

To help people continue to move about their communities safely and conveniently, write your mayor or local elected officials. Thank them for what they have done for bikes and ask them to construct more protected bike lanes, connect existing bike networks and incentivize cycling. Join PeopleForBikes for up-to-date alerts on local policies and legislation that affect biking in your community .

Momentum for Active Transportation, Public Health and Climate Action:

COVID-19 has forced us to look at America’s climate, public health and physical activity crises in entirely new ways. Environmental degradation, poor air quality and more than $117 billion in direct and indirect physical inactivity costs were sounding alarms before the pandemic; now they are urgent cries for action.

On the positive side, stay-at-home orders have fostered a renewed interest in walking and biking for mental and physical health. 61 percent of respondents report they are walking more and 44 percent report an increase in bicycle riding. Our research demonstrates more than half of Americans have changed their commuting habits as a result of COVID, and they plan to make those changes permanent — including walking and biking more often.

This change in the behavior of Americans can build momentum towards permanently changing public health habits. With 50 percent of all trips being less than four miles in large U.S. cities, choosing to go by bike instead of car can change our public health habits for the better. Communities are now looking locally and seeking healthy and safe ways to live, work and shop that will have sustaining effects on activity levels and our planet.

To help continue this trend, support policies that prioritize investments seeking to rebuild and repair our cities with clean, green and efficient modes of transportation like bicycling. Bike infrastructure helps us move forward together by relieving traffic congestion, increasing mobility and opportunity and making our cities more livable.

We are committed to using PeopleForBikes’ collective influence to fight for mobility and racial justice. We believe in our mission of making biking better for everyone, and understand that statement is not felt by many of our fellow citizens. BIPOC Americans who bike are more likely to get hit by cars and feel personally unsafe while on a bike, navigating racial profiling and police harassment among other hurdles.

We know that bikes can’t solve racism in America, but we can use our voice, programs and partners within our reach to create positive change. Our goal is to keep the momentum going internally and with each one of our partners to listen, learn and take action. If we want to make sure that bicycling is welcoming and includes bicyclists of all races, abilities, gender and sexual identities, ages and more, we need to start with where we work.

To learn more, read our Mobility and Racial Justice Action Plan or join our PeopleForBikes Ride Spot Ambassador Program. You can help us welcome more people to bicycling and foster a truly inclusive community.

For the bike industry side of our work, our vision is a data and technology-driven modern trade association. Our new Business Intelligence Hub has allowed better insights into participation numbers, retail sales and consumer trends. Our COVID-19 Resource Center is full of helpful assets and materials to help bike businesses navigate the COVID business landscape. 

We have more than 70 new members joining our 280 supplier/brand members and more than 100 volunteer leaders steering our work and moving us forward. E-bikes continue to be an opportunity to get new people on bikes, reduce commute travel distances and break down barriers for unlikely cyclists. We also created a new sustainability working group and are partnering with the outdoor industry on climate action. 

To power more and better business and industry resources, and access member benefits, join the PeopleForBikes coalition today.

PeopleForBikes sees opportunity and hope for the future of America with the help of bikes. Through our work at every level of government, from local ballot measures to federal bike  infrastructure funding and stimulus packages, to working with cities on improving mobility and racial justice, we’re using our wide-spread influence to prove that bikes can help move our nation forward. But it takes more than one organization, and one CEO, to truly enact lasting change. By working together, we can make that vision a reality and prove that when people ride bikes, great things happen.

Helping America Recover and Move Forward with Bikes

UPDATE: On July 22, the Great American Outdoors Act cleared final passage in the U.S. House of Representatives and headed to the President’s desk to be signed into law. After decades of debate, the policies put forth in this bill- fully funding the LWCF at $900 million annually and addressing the growing maintenance backlog in our public lands– will become reality. We’re grateful to the support of our industry and grassroots members who sent over 12,000 comments to elected officials, and we’re thankful for the bipartisan leadership of recreation and public lands champs in Congress that ushered in this moment.

For years, advocates for recreation and public lands have pushed for permanent and full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Launched by Congress in 1964, this program was designed to direct revenue from federal off-shore oil and gas leases to buy land and build trails for parks and wildlife refuges. Unfortunately, a significant portion of the proceeds have traditionally been withheld and reallocated to the general fund. 

On June 17, the U.S. Senate passed the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA, S. 3422), which would fully fund LWCF at $900 million annually. As more Americans than ever seek the joy that comes from spending time outside, greater investment in our public lands is essential. 

The bill approved by the Senate would also provide an innovative funding solution for backlogged projects in our national parks and on public lands. With billions of dollars in deferred maintenance, new money from energy development on our public lands will help improve our favorite places to bike in national parks, singletrack trails in national forests and reservoir paths under the auspices of the Bureau of Land Management. 

More Americans are looking to bikes for recreation and transportation. In some places, ridership is up more than 100% from 2019. Increasing visitation to our public lands and additional trail use means more maintenance is necessary to preserve the resource and keep users safe and moving.

Senate approval of the Great American Outdoors Act is consistent with the spirit of the John D. Dingell Conservation, Management and Recreation Act (S. 47) that was ratified by Congress in March 2019. It permanently authorized the LWCF, but didn’t offer any funding.

PeopleForBikes member businesses advocated for these provisions during several fly-ins to Washington, D.C. and by cosigning letters to Congress with our partners in recreation advocacy. We’re hopeful the GAOA will move swiftly and without obstacles in the House of Representatives and onto the president’s desk to sign into law.

Senate Approves Long-Sought Deal for Recreation and Public Lands

On Thursday, May 14, PeopleForBikes hosted an industry webinar, Using pilot programs to navigate e-bike use on the trail, where both members of the bike industry and land managers learned more about the use of e-bike pilot programs to inform data-driven e-bike management decisions.

The growth of e-bike use has expedited the need for more sensible land management regulations around e-bikes nationally, leaving land managers questioning how they can govern this new technology in a way that best suits the needs of the community and natural resources. PeopleForBikes’ 2020 E-Bike Land Manager Survey found that of the 40 land managers surveyed, 30% have struggled to implement an e-bike policy due to a lack of data on the potential impacts or benefits e-bikes may have on trails (additional survey results can be found below). This need for data motivated PeopleForBikes to develop resources, including the webinar, to help land managers design and implement e-bike pilot programs around the country.

E-bike pilot programs are temporary programs (ranging from 6-12 months) that allow land managers to “test out” e-bikes on designated trails within their park systems. This “test” is traditionally complemented with a trail visitor survey that measures visitors’ perceptions of e-bikes on the trail and how the presence of e-bikes affected their overall trail experience. At the end of the test period, land managers are provided with data on the social and physical implications of e-bike use on local trails. This data can then guide land managers as they work to develop an e-bike policy that reflects the needs of their park and local community.

PeopleForBikes understands that because e-bikes are a new technology, it will take time to understand and integrate their usage. That is why we serve as a resource on e-bike management issues to agencies seeking to provide the highest benefit to both the land they manage and its users. We have assisted a variety of agencies in designing pilot programs that meet their needs and inform sound policy development.

To learn more about e-bike pilot programs, check out our E-Bike Pilots On Public Lands guide or contact PeopleForBikes Regulatory & Policy Analyst, Ashley Seaward at ashley@peopleforbikes.org for more information.

PeopleForBikes 2020 Land Manager E-Bike Survey Results: PeopleForBikes surveyed 40 land managers to understand their current relationship with e-bikes and what challenges they have faced in developing an e-bike policy.

Of the 40 responses, the majority of land managers stated that they: 

Get asked about e-bikes on a monthly basis.

Are in the process of adopting an e-bike policy and have struggled to do so.

Find that developing an e-bike policy is difficult because there is a lack of data on trail impacts and users’ perceptions and that e-bike policies differ between state, local and federal agencies.

Have not considered conducting an e-bike pilot program.

Would like to see more environmental and social data on eMTBs and an increase in trail etiquette education before making any policy decision.

E-Bike Pilot Programs Can Inform Data-Driven Policy Making

Policy

Improving Recreational Access for Bikes

Securing Funding for New Parks and Trails

Helping Cities Build Great Places to Bike That Are Close to Home

Improving Road Cyclist Safety

Increasing Access for Kids, Veterans, Electric Bicycle Riders and Underserved Communities

Promoting Recreation-Based Economic Development in Rural Areas