Join Your Local Advocacy Group

There is something about cycling that invokes passion within oneself. One lives and breathes cycling and it becomes so ingrained in one's lifestyle that this not-so-common understanding opens one's eyes to the necessity of advocating the safety of cyclists. One's cause may be as simple as wearing a bicycle helmet to something as large scale as creating new laws protecting commuters. Doing this as a group can have much more impact and can combine individual experiences for the progression of the group.

When I first started mountain biking, I hopped online and searched high and low for mountain biking sites to begin my riding education. There wasn't much available, but I quickly found the great luxury of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association forum. I used the trail resource of the web site to find trails downstate when I visited, and I was in awe of the quality, fun factor, and excellent trail markings provided by the MMBA trail volunteers. In fact, it was my first ride at Holdridge Lakes in Holly, MI one wet October that wowed me into joining the MMBA the following January. I've been a member for 16 months and it has been a wonderful experience.

I have met many members of the MMBA and ridden with people all over the state. I have people to ride with almost anywhere I go – all I have to do is post up to the forum. Yesterday, I mentioned that I would like to get a clearance law passed in Michigan (see yesterday's post). I did not know if someone was already working on it or if it was currently being passed. I posted in the forum and someone told me who to contact for information.

Advocacy organizations often put on races to raise money for trails, host clinics for women, children, or any rider looking to improve their skills, and family events to get all involved. The Ride of Silence is a national ride with local organizers which has the purpose of raising awareness of cyclists on the road and riding in honor of those who have been killed in auto-bicycle collisions.

National Bike Month tip of the day: join your local advocacy group.