Bike Virginia is a 501(C)(3) advocacy and education Non-profit organization. Our work focuses on making Virginia better through cycling initiatives. Our organization has a staff of 4 full time planners and advocates. Our board consists of 11 individuals across Virginia. We were founded in 2000 (16 years ago) as a non-profit, but have been in operation for 29 years. Read more about the organization here.
The annual projected costs of operation for 2016 are $650,000.
During the year we work on several programs and projects including:
Bike Virginia Tour- This program introduces communities across Virginia to the benefits of being bicycle inclusive. Over a 14 month period we work with a region of Virginia to create the Bike Virginia Tour. During that time our team of staff, board and volunteers intensively work to develop cycling in those communities. We teach community members about the value of bicycle related tourism and teach them about event operations. We expose community residents of those communities to the health aspects of cycling for recreation and fitness. Our staff works with local law enforcement and safety agencies to identify the safest riding in the region, and discuss ways to make cycling more integral. We stimulate the local economy with $2 million + in spending during our 6 event. Our goal is to leave behind a positive legacy of cycling in towns and cities to support future bike tourism related projects and local initiatives to support improve bike access for residents. Participants of this event can count 60% of their event registration as a contribution which may qualify as a tax deduction.
Financial Stimulation– Bike Virginia’s annual event generates a large volume of spending in a 6 day period as riders visit rural and semi-rural communities. Financial stimulation extends well into communities at catering restaurants, hotels, gas stations and into charities and organizations. We make sizable donations to groups such as schools, Boy Scouts, Lions Club, animal groups, etc… in exchange for volunteer assistance with event operations at rest stops and at the event venue. Donations total over $25,000 per year.
Education- As part of our Bike Virginia Tour program we conduct a share the road campaign through media to expose drivers and cyclists to the area to laws and safe road sharing practices. We participate in and raise awareness of National events such as National Bike to Work Day and Drive Smart Virginia’s Bike and Pedestrian Week for Virginia.
Consulting Services- Our staff provide consulting services to events, organizations, and communities on cycling projects and programs. As consultants we offer expert educational program development and planning, event planning guidance, infrastructure planning, economic development idea generation, and review of proposed laws.
Committee Memberships- Throughout the year, the staff and board members participate in a variety of committees on the local and state level in support of better cycling.
Legislative Awareness Campaigns- As bicycle related legislation is developed, we serve as a conduit of communication for other organizations programs such a Virginia Bicycle Federation, League of American Bicyclists, and Alliance for Biking and Walking.
Funding
Participants in the Bike Virginia Tour support Bike Virginia’s education and advocacy work. The organization’s primary funding source is event registration. Our second, very small funding source are contributions.