Bike BetteR
15
Goals and Strategies :
1) Act as a means of communication between local groups, with the ability to share information, knowledge and expertise.
Despite their physical distances between them, many local bicycling groups are facing and overcoming the same problems and obstacles. A statewide organization would provide a way to share the methods used to overcome these obstacles, offering local groups the best possible strategy available - while saving the trouble and effort of developing that strategy independently. Additionally, the statewide organization would be used as a means to distribute information down from a national level, thanks both to an increased presence in national events and conferences and an increased availability of local educational programs.
2) Act as a representative of all local groups at both state-level and national-level discussions.
Having a single statewide organization will allow both governmental and non-profit organizations to communicate quickly and easily with a variety of our local bicycling experts. There is a vast network of currently untapped lawyers, planners, educators, public health experts who this statewide organization could employ to provide support, guidance and oversight to organizations who’s work will influence the bicycling environment in Louisiana.
3) Observe, monitor and offer guidance in the design and implementation of bicycle related policies and projects.
An easily identifiable statewide organization would have the ability to be deeply involved in the creation and modification of bicycle related projects, as has most recently been seen in Baton Rouge with the adoption of our new complete streets policy. The organization would also be able to influence Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD), and Departments of Public Works to ensure that any infrastructure projects are executed in as bicycle consciously a way as possible
4) Promote the benefits of bicycling and raise public and private support for its growth in Louisiana
While organizations typically create and maintain a robust local public profile in support of bicycling locally, a statewide organization would be able to make this message louder and clearer, bringing it to a larger audience. Through discussions with groups such as AARP, public health organizations and even schools, these messages could have a much wider impact than they currently have, bringing a large group of interested individuals into our community and into public awareness.
5) Guide and influence the creation and execution of laws affecting bicyclists
Through a consistent presence here in our state capital, a statewide organization would have the ability to work with lawmakers and elected officials to both pass bicycle positive laws, and to ensure that other enacted laws are created and implemented in bicycle-conscious ways. The creation and support of a true statewide organization would lend weight and credibility to ALL Louisiana bicycle advocates who are representing their local communities.