The Chainlink

If you can only donate to 1 bicycling organization, which one would it be?

I would like to direct a donation toward the bicycling organization that really gets the most results in terms of improving bicycling accessibility and awareness, improving infrastructure and drivers education - especially on issues of safety. If bicycle organization offer membership perks that's great as well but it is secondary to the primary issues.

Which organization would you choose?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by dan brown on November 29, 2010 at 2:16pm
just my $.02 here :
west town bikes.
I guess I am biased.
Active Trans is great too. tough choice.
Permalink Reply by Adam "Cezar" Jenkins on November 29, 2010 at 2:48pm
I recently made a decision in regards to this, it's that time of year for me to renew. The choice for me was to renew Adventure Cyclist or not. They do some good things, but compared to Active Trans and others, it just wasn't worth the $40 they wanted for the year. Also, the magazine was meh.

If it's just about the bikes, Active Transit might be the way to go. If it's also about improving the lives of at risk youth, West Town is a great place to donate. My major donations go to West Town. Alex is a really good guy and does great things for bikes and youth in Chicago.
Permalink Reply by Amy Y on November 29, 2010 at 3:24pm
Thanks Adam.

I had a gift membership to AC one year, but personally did not find that useful.

I like ATA, but I was also wondering about league of IL cyclists or of American cyclists. It seems to me that they work more at the state-level (e.g. drivers' ed) on improving safety and education, which usually is the biggest concern for cyclists and to get people to bike on the streets.
Permalink Reply by Steven Vance on November 29, 2010 at 3:34pm
For "getting stuff done," and trying to hard to make its efforts know (and effective), the Active Transportation Alliance does a great job. Its staff and volunteers are always out on the streets talking to people and running events. They manage the Mayor Daley's Bicycling Ambassadors, Better Blocks, and other "grassroots-style" discussions.

I participated in a bike light distribution where 100% of recipients were appreciative of the ATA's efforts. I estimate that only 10% of recipients knew the state law about headlights. We educated every single person. If they tell connect to one other person, then 400 people who ride bikes at night know the law.
Permalink Reply by Oscar 2.0 on November 29, 2010 at 3:50pm
I support many of the local bike endeavors, I am a regular at http://workingbikes.org/, they collect and retrofit bike for sale to the general public. Also, they ship bikes to developing countries and improve the lives of the communities involved.

Another organization, the League of Illinois Bicyclist advocated for more biking path and safety.

http://www.bikelib.org/

Among many projects, they advocated for the new share the road license plates.

Make your reservation today!!
Permalink Reply by Barry Niel Stuart on November 29, 2010 at 4:08pm
I'd have to say, Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin, because of the successful efforts to get everything from a bicycle co-ordinator for Milwaukee, bike lanes, and bike racks on Milwaukee County buses. In the future, we hope to fill in the trails network, even with a trail on the Daniel Hoan Bridge over the mouth of the Milwaukee River, and to better educate motorists in how to share the road with two-wheelers.
Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on November 29, 2010 at 7:14pm
I split my donation money evenly between LIB, Active Trans, and my own advocacy projects.
On your stated criteria I'd have to say that Active Trans would edge LIB out by a narrow margin.
I immediately thought of Westtown Bikes as the best bang for the buck in terms of contributing to an effort that's making good things happen before our eyes, but it doesn't really relate to your criteria.
Permalink Reply by Gin on November 29, 2010 at 7:40pm
Ditto Howard--We are long time supporters of LIB, Active Trans and West Town. Also donate time/$ to the grassroots (Bike Winter, Break the Gridlock, Derailleur publishing etc.) Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail is another good one. For us, we share the love, even if it means making smaller donations, so that we can be counted as members, show our support across the board, etc.


H3N3 said:
I split my donation money evenly between LIB, Active Trans, and my own advocacy projects.
On your stated criteria I'd have to say that Active Trans would edge LIB out by a narrow margin.
I immediately thought of Westtown Bikes as the best bang for the buck in terms of contributing to an effort that's making good things happen before our eyes, but it doesn't really relate to your criteria.
Permalink Reply by emeegee on November 30, 2010 at 10:07am
I want to encourage you to consider The Recyclery- http://www.therecyclery.org/ They host open shops, rehab and resell bikes, and run build-a-bike classes. They're not as established as West Town yet, but the missions are quite similar; a small donation can go a long way for a grassroots project like this.

Whatever you choose it's smart to go local and to consider supplementing your $$$ with volunteer time. Work hours can benefit the groups even more than cash, and you get to meet other like-minded cyclists.
Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on January 17, 2012 at 5:33pm
Any other orgs on this list on a local or regional level? Any national orgs doing good things we should know about too?
Permalink Reply by Comrade Cycles on January 17, 2012 at 10:02pm

Blackstone Bicycle Works. If you ain't been, put it on the to do list. I'm a tad biased since I worked there for a bit, but these folks are doing so much good in their community. Kids can earn a bike, learn mechanic skills, get real experience in a small business, get homework help, & etc. Not a single day passes without Chris, Aaron, Ty Juan, or their volunteers going above and beyond for these kids. They also sell refurbished bikes and are a full service shop.

http://experimentalstation.org/blackstone-bikes

Permalink Reply by Michelle S on January 18, 2012 at 12:20pm

I only heard about World Bicycle Relief recently -- I think from a link someone posted here on CL -- but it seems to be doing fantastic things. It's a national/international organization that has given away more than 90,000 sturdy, cargo- and transportation-oriented bicycles to students, healthcare workers and entrepreneurs in sub-Saharan African countries. It was founded and continues to be heavily supported by SRAM, which you probably know is a local company doing great things for bike advocacy in Chicago and far beyond. On the WBR website, check out the inspiring videos.

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