Where CalBike Is Today

As we roll into CalBike’s 30th year, it’s time to take stock of where our organization is today. We’ve increased our reach and influence over the years, but we also face challenges heading into our next 30 years.

Strength in numbers

I’ve heard from members and supporters that they think of CalBike as a large organization. We have spearheaded successful campaigns that change the way bikeways and active transportation infrastructure are built throughout California. We are a go-to source for information on programs we helped create, such as the Active Transportation Program. 

That level of influence might conjure an image of a large staff scurrying through a warren of offices in Sacramento — the all-powerful bike lobby at work! But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. 

CalBike has a full-time staff of four (including me), plus two part-time staffers. There are no offices at all; we went fully remote during the pandemic. We sometimes bring in consultants to help with specific projects. We run a lean operation and our ambitions are sometimes bigger than our finances.

CalBike is able to accomplish so much because of two factors. The first is our amazing staff, each of whom approaches their role with dedication and thoughtfulness. Our relationships in the capitol and state agencies, coupled with policy and technical knowledge, combine to make us effective strategists and advocates, as well as a resource to others. The second factor behind our accomplishments is our coalition. We work with local bicycle coalitions as well as pedestrian and transit advocates across California to lift up their priorities and bring strength in numbers to our campaigns. We partner with organizations working on environmental issues, social justice, disability rights, and other issues to create powerful, intersectional coalitions that lawmakers listen to.

We also get strength from everyone on our list: everyone who reaches out with words of support, raises a concern, or makes a donation. You are the power that drives our pedal strokes!

Heading into 2025 and beyond

As we start our next 30 years, the vision CalBike champions is more critical than ever in the face of rising inequality and an ever more dire climate crisis. Facing the urgency of these needs, I wish I had better news to report, but the truth is we are struggling to raise the funds we need to keep functioning at our current capacity.

While we are smaller than some local bicycle coalitions, CalBike is an efficient and effective advocate. Gifts to CalBike are an investment in better biking, helping us win more victories, like winning $1 billion for bikes. Bills we champion, like the Protected Bikeway Bill of 2014 pave the way for safer streets across California, so supporting your statewide bicycle coalition supercharges the efforts of your local bike advocates.

CalBike couldn’t have achieved the many accomplishments over the past 30 years without our members and supporters. It takes a village to make our streets safe and welcoming to everyone.

Join CalBike for the next 30 years of active transportation

Like a lot of nonprofits, CalBike has experienced a drop in donations. I’m confident we’ll emerge from this setback stronger than ever, with the help of our fabulous supporters.

Here are some things you can do:

• Join CalBike and your local bike coalition. We work together to achieve the changes you see on your local streets. Passing laws at the state level makes better biking possible at the local level.
• Check if your employer matches tax deductible-gifts to our sister organization the California Mobility Fund. If your employer offers this, we can help you navigate the process.
• Ask your friends to join. Get together to make a group donation. Throw a bike party and raise funds. We know the bike community is creative — for help getting started, or for CalBike swag to include email andrew@calbike.org
• Buy CalBike merch. Have you seen our new quail art? It’s awesome, and it comes on fabulous items like baby onesies. My toddler loves her shirt.
• Become a monthly donor. Monthly donations take a small bite out of your budget but give CalBike predictable funding that helps meet our operating expenses. To take a page out of public radio’s book: $10 a month is two cups of coffee (or innertubes). 

If you can’t donate right now, you’re still a vital part of our community, and community is what makes us strong. Together, we will launch CalBike into 2025 and beyond, stronger than ever.