Bicycle Association

Definition:

A nonprofit civic association that advocates for bike improvements in street design and often collaborates with city transportation officials in co-design. Bicycle associations also organize rides, celebrations and other cultural events. Bicycle and pedestrian groups increasingly are part of consolidated associations for transportation alternatives.

Fast Facts:

League of American Bicyclists were originally known as the League of American Wheelmen. They had a strong resistance to utilitarian cycling in demarcated bike lanes. However, its emphasis shifted in the early 2000s in response to local associations, funding opportunities through ISTEA, and competition from the Alliance for Biking and Walking (1996-2016). Its 2019-2021 Strategic Plan registers further shifts. LAB holds an annual Bike Summit.

History:

Pre-1990s: the bicycle movement has a long history, though it was interrupted by extended periods of quiescence. The revival of bicycle associations in the 1970s was impeded by divisions within the movement between elitist high-performance cyclists and utilitarian cyclists focused on bike lanes for travel to work, school, and shopping.

1990s and beyond: a period of significant and sustained growth begins. Militant organizing through Critical Mass shifted to greater collaboration with city transportation departments.