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Many bicyclists and other nonmotorized advocates across the state are beginning to work together as coalitions, committees and task forces to generate policies beneficial to bicyclists and other nonmotorized users.

Diversity is key to any successful coalition. Bringing together a broad set of allies will insure that your campaign receives the political and media attention it deserves.  A local Complete Streets campaign is a great issue that unites bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users, the aging and disability community, health, environmental and neighborhood organizations, local businesses, etc. 

Another key component to a strong coalition is insuring that key community leaders are involved as early as possible.  Consider inviting a representative from your local transportation department, road commission and metropolitan planning organization, as well as a liaison between your group and city council and the mayor's office.  If your community has state roads that pass through it, inviting a representative from your regional MDOT office is also a good idea.

Visit the links below to see examples of local bicycle and pedestrian coalitions working across Michigan.

• Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition
  GGRBC is a coalition of organizations, businesses, and interest groups organized for the purpose to advocate for safer and more accessible bicycling in all forms and manner in the Greater Grand Rapids area.
• Safe & Active Genesee For Everyone
  SAGE is a collaborative of local advocates, non-profit, private and government organizations working together to advocate for and support active living initiatives that promote safe opportunities for people to be physically active throughout Genesee County.
• Jackson Walkable Communities Task Force
  To create an environment where it’s easy to walk and bike for recreation and transportation; and to educate and encourage citizens to be active.
• Walk and Bike Lansing
  Walk and Bike Lansing! is a campaign to engage and mobilize Lansing residents, businesses, and others to make Lansing an accessible and walk and bike friendly city.
• Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition
  The Washtenaw Bicycling and Walking Coalition promotes transportation options that make sense for a sustainable and livable community. We’re dedicated to increasing the quality and quantity of bicycling and walking opportunities in Washtenaw County.

Other Useful Links:

m-bike - Detroit
My Wheels Are Turning - Traverse City

Communication Strategy

See our Advocacy Toolkit section on effective communication skills.  There you'll find tips for creating a website and using social media, setting up a nonprofit, running a good meeting, communicating with the media, starting a letter writing campaign, and more.

Bike Ped Advisory Board Model

Many cities across the country are establishing bicycle and pedestrian advisory committees (BPACs) that make recommendations and provide guidance to local governments on bicycling and walking issues. Find resources on BPACs here.

This document contains sample bylaws for a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board

Download BPAC Bylaws

Note: In order to access this document on the Alliance for Biking and Walking's website, you will need to create a username and password. Their website is packed full of great resources, so it worth the extra step.