When
Enrique Penalosa was mayor of Bogota , Columbia , he transformed
his city into a place that prioritized mobility for bicyclists and pedestrians.
By spending transportation funding first on buses, sidewalks, and bikeways, he
proudly proclaims Bogota
made a person on a $30 bicycle equal to a person in a $30,000 car. They brought
dignity to people who have no choice but to ride a bicycle.
In this TED talk, Mr. Penalosa demonstrates that by prioritizing vulnerable travelers,
cities become better places for everyone, even car drivers.
Social
bike business programs cannot exist in a vacuum. Even if you can lay claim
to all the best practices outlined in Defying
Poverty with Bicycles, you are still dependent on your surroundings. You
may have an extraordinary team leading your nonprofit. You might have lots of
eager donors providing bicycles, funding, even a building. But if the people
who come to your program for a bike or a career cannot walk or bicycle to and
from your place, you’re facing a serious obstacle to the long-term success of
your bicycle program.
I know
it’s a lot easier to focus on the daily urgencies that come to your program.
Find a seat post that fits this bike. Fix this flat tire. Show this new trainee
how to remove a rear derailleur.
Still,
by carving out just a few days each month to sit down with your city officials
or coordinate your efforts with your local bicycle advocacy organization, you
will be investing in the future success of your programs. City officials must hear
from experts like you who understand the need to provide for people who ride
bikes or walk to their destinations. They likely won’t be excited about pushing
bicycle improvements, as Mr. Penalosa notes in the video. He was threatened
with impeachment for making bicycle and pedestrian improvements! So you and
your team of advocates will have to show your decision makers that you will be
there for them throughout the effort.
Your
investment of time in improving your city will pay off over time. Start with a
reasonable request that will not only improve access for bicyclists, but will
be a likely winner with your officials. Read more about planning a successful
campaign on our Campaign
Planning page.
The
most important step, though, is to start now. Find out who is already working
for better bicycling in your city and join them in their efforts. If no one
else is doing this important work, find at least a few days each month to keep
the topic front and center at your city hall.
Let me
know if you need help with any bicycle program or campaign efforts. That’s what
One Street is here for!
Sue
