Even if you’ve got the sleekest cycling pants around, biking doesn’t come without baggage. Making the roadways friendlier for cyclists is a group effort. Here’s how you can get involved.
Donate to the Triangle Commuter Bike Initiative: The East Coast Greenway Alliance, known as the “Appalachian Trail of Cycling,” is headquartered in Durham. The organization aims to create a 3,000-mile urban corridor that stretches from Key West to Maine. The local embodiment of this effort is the Triangle Commuter Bike Initiative, a program working to link disjoined Triangle routes into one ride. Check tricbi.org.
Participate in Oaks & Spokes: This weeklong event in downtown Raleigh includes group rides, a parts swap and a guided kid’s cruise. The annual festival takes place in March, but the group maintains an active website, ever-updated with community rides and advocacy meetings. See oaksandspokes.com.
Volunteer at the ReCYCLEry: The ReCYCLEry is a small Carrboro cooperative that teaches children how to fix bicyclesand even earn their own. On the first Saturday of every month, the shop asks for community volunteers to run workshops. No experience is required, though it’s a great way to learn about fixing your ride. Visit recyclery.org.
Join a Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee: Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill have committees to advise their respective city councils on matters of bike and foot. The all-volunteer boards meet once a month to recommend regulations, policies and funding related to walking and cycling programs.
Ride your bike: Hey, that’s why we’re here. The more present cyclists are on the roadways, the safer they can become.