State & National Organizations
Virginia Bicycling Federation
The Virginia Bicycling Federation is Virginia’s statewide bicycling advocacy organization. The unified voice of bicyclists, the all volunteer board introduces legislation in the General Assembly that addresses traffic justice, safe cycling practices, and bicycle access on trains. The organization is promoting Rails with Trails as a way to connect communities and the commonwealth. The VBF Bicycling Friendly Awards and promotion of the US bike routes are supported programs. Safety vests and gloves are available when you join VBF at certain levels of support. The website provides links to current state and national bicycling articles. VBF is the watchdog for bicycling concerns and the initiator of multiple statewide bicycling initiates.
Bike Walk Virginia
Bike Walk Virginia facilitates government studies on topics relevant to walking and bicycling. Educational web-cams are available through Bike Walk Virginia. Some connections on their website include a bicycle resource study, the code of Virginia pertaining to bicycles, and CTB bicycle policy and procedures. Their membership includes organizations, clubs and individuals who sign up for bike rides. Fund raising events include the annual week long bike ride, Bike Virginia.
League of American Bicyclists
LAB is a national organization with several effective cycling instructors teaching safe cycling classes in the Roanoke area. “Bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles.” LAB exists to educate and advocate improving the conditions for bicycling in America. The League is the lead for research and distribution of bicycling educational materials. LAB facilitates lobbying and advocacy activities. Vehicular cycling is taught by LAB certified instructors. All levels of riders benefit from forming safe cycling habits. Locally, contact James Rosar, LCI #2203 at Cyclo-Ward Bicycle Repair.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a Washington based educational and advocacy organization working to promote the conversion of abandoned rail lines to trail and the utilization of rails with trails to connect neighborhoods and communities.
Adventure Cycling Association
Adventure Cycling Association is a nonprofit service organization for recreational bicyclists. Bicycling vacations, pleasure travel by bicycle and the implementation of national long distance trails are being championed Adventure Cycling. Virginia has more US approved bike route miles than any other state. US Bike Route 76’s eastern terminus is the Yorktown victory monument. US Bike Route 1 traverses Virginia from DC to North Carolina.
IMBA
IMBA is the International Mountain Bike Association. IMBA is a well organized off road trail advocacy organization working for access in National Parks, urban communities and state forests.
National Center for Bicycling and Walking
National Center for Bicycling and Walking is a resource clearinghouse for bicycling and walking materials.
Alliance for Biking and Walking
Alliance for Biking and Walking was formally named Thunderhead Alliance. It is a coalition of over 160 grassroots organizations working together as PeoplePoweredMovement.org. Virginia members include Sharebike, Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition, Trips for Kids Metro DC and the Virginia Bicycling Federation. Their staff generate advocacy Winning campaign trainings, maintain a list serve, an extensive library on organizational structure, advocacy, membership and community awareness. Monthly training conference calls provide members networking opportunities.
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycling Professionals
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycling Professionals provides a library, list serve and professional exchanges for transportation engineers, planners, and bicycle and pedestrian advocates. Project design questions are answered through dialogue on the list serve.