Planet Bike Celebrates National Bike Month Awarding Over $44,500 Supporting 17 Advocacy Groups Across the U.S.
Posted on May 6th 2022 | ADVOCACY, BETTER WORLD, NEWS, QUARTERLY DISPATCH,In celebration of National Bike Month, we have awarded over $44,500 to non-profit organizations across the U.S. These groups are working tirelessly to grow, support and create cycling access for all people. They achieve this through educational programming and policy work which results in a more diverse and equitable bicycle friendly America.
Each year, as a proud member of 1% for the Planet® (an alliance of businesses that are financially committed to creating a healthy planet), we pledge time, resources and profits that amount to 1% of our annual sales. This commitment aligns with Planet Bike's mission, values and belief that the bicycle provides powerful solutions for creating a healthier planet.
To date, we have donated over $2.6 million to organizations working to create vibrant, healthy and equitable transportation networks across the country.
The following non-profit organizations have received support in this round of funding:
League of American Bicyclists - https://www.bikeleague.org/
The League of American Bicyclists represents bicyclists in the movement to create safer roads, stronger communities and a bicycle-friendly America. They define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful, unified voice for bicycling.
National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) - https://www.nationalmtb.org/
National Interscholastic Cycling Association sees a future where every American youth has the opportunity to build strong body, mind and character through cycling. NICA provides leadership, services and governance for regional leagues to produce quality mountain bike events and support every student-athlete.
QBP Scholarship Program - https://www.qbp.com/scholarships/about
Quality Bicycle Products’ mechanic scholarship program has a goal to create a cycling industry that is more accessible, inclusive and diverse. Four distinct scholarships will award 48 individuals with tuition and lodging at either the U of Q Institute in Colorado Spring, CO or the United Bicycle Institute in Ashland, OR. Recipients will sharpen their bike mechanic skills and advance their careers with in-depth, hands-on training.
Black Girls Do Bike - https://www.blackgirlsdobike.org/
With nearly one hundred chapters spanning the country from Alabama to Alaska, Black Girls Do Bike is working to grow and support a community of women of color who share a passion for cycling. Their goal is to demystify cycling by establishing a comfortable space where lady cyclists can support and advise each other and ride together. Black Girls Do Bike members rejoice when women choose cycling as a tool for function, fitness, freedom, and fun!
Boise Bike Project - https://www.boisebicycleproject.org/
The Boise Bike Project is a community focused non-profit that promotes the personal, social and environmental benefits of bicycling. They strive to build a stronger bicycling community through providing a bicycle recycling center and an educational workspace in a diverse and non-threatening atmosphere. Their core programs include youth bike repair, youth bike giveaways and adult educational programing accessible to all people.
Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K) - https://fb4k.org/
In 2008, Free Bikes for Kidz was started by a group of passionate cyclists that collected, refurbished and gave away 250 bikes over a two-week period in Minneapolis. Now in 17 cities, the organization brings communities together to sustainably furnish bikes to kids-in-need, providing a pathway to health, happiness and opportunity. Planet Bike’s support to the National and Madison-based chapters includes product donations to help keep bikes on the road and to provide data for an impact study to measure the benefits their programs are having on youth health.
Working Bikes - https://workingbikes.org/
Working Bikes gives donated bicycles new life by redistributing them in local and global communities. To date, over 100,000 people have received bikes through this program and benefitted from the most reliable, sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation option available. Working Bikes envisions a world where everyone has access to bicycle transportation, whether in Africa or Chicago.
Capital Trails Coalition – https://www.capitaltrailscoalition.org/
The Capital Trails Coalition seeks to create a world-class network of multi-use trails that are equitably distributed throughout the Washington D.C. metropolitan region. The regional trails network will transform public life by providing healthy, low-stress access to open space and reliable transportation for people of all ages and abilities.
Portland Gear Hub - https://portlandgearhub.org/
Portland Gear Hub’s mission is to get more youth and adults outside and active by increasing access to affordable, reliable gear. They provide a wide array of bicycle education and programming including Earn-a-Bike, Learn to Ride courses, Bikes for all Mainers and Girls' Mountain Bike Camps. They aim to lower the barrier of entry for those trying a sport for the first time or looking for an affordable mode of transportation.
Bike Equity - https://www.bikequity.org/
Bike Equity provides resources, mentorship, and education so that everyone can enjoy cycling for recreation, fitness and transportation, regardless of income, age, race or ability. Their work is based on three key pillars: love, inclusion, and finding common ground. They are on a mission to normalize BIPOC participation in cycling-related sports by making it easier for kids and families to fall in love with bikes!
Wisconsin Bike Fed – https://wisconsinbikefed.org/
The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin cultivates, motivates and unites a strong community of citizens and business and political leaders to move bicycling forward in Wisconsin. Planet Bike’s support helps fund the Bike Fed’s community outreach, educational programming and legislative initiatives.
West Madison NICA Team – https://madisonmtb.org/
With the goal of bringing greater diversity, equity and inclusion to youth mountain biking, the Madison West NICA Mountain Bike team has actively recruited underrepresented student-athletes to its team for the 2022 season. More than twenty scholarship recipients will receive fully paid league and race fees, a mountain bike, helmet and a stash of Planet Bike cycling essentials. Planet Bike’s support is helping to introduce a new wave of student athletes to the joy of single track.
In addition, Planet Bike is supporting the following organizations though membership, product donation or other forms of support: 1% for the Planet, Adventure Cycling, Wheels for Winners, and IMBA.