CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESTim Blumenthal takes to the road to change something. Not his bike tire this time; after tens of thousands of miles on trail and tarmac, he can swap tubes in his sleep.
Blumenthal, the president of on the rise non-profit PeopleForBikes, a man recognized by core mountain bikers and senators alike, is pursuing a fundamental change in the landscape of bike commuting.
Every year, more drivers are trading keys for pedal-powered commutes. Economic and environmental incentives, along with obvious health benefits, make a compelling argument for switching gears. Yet the lack of infrastructure in some cities makes commuting a harrowing experience.
PeopleForBikes is dedicated to tipping the scales in favor of responsible cyclists. The non-profit accelerates construction of protected bike routes and fosters a stronger and more united cycling community, all while engaging the hearts, minds and budgets of both government agencies and private businesses.
PFB’s Green Lane Project has installed bike lanes protected from speeding cars via “planters, parked cars, or posts” in 12 major U.S. cities. The result? More bikers and more business. In fact, PFB nearly doubled the number of protected bike lanes in the U.S. in two years (from 71 to 138). PFB describes Green Lanes as “places where more people feel comfortable riding a bike, making it easier to get around, save money, and live an active life.”
Unlike dealing with a thorn-pierced tube miles from home, Blumenthal’s got a few friends in his corner: over 850,000 members have joined PFB’s rallying cry.
At the 2014 edition of InterBike, a bike industry convention in Vegas, Blumenthal highlighted “three things that matter” to proliferating the PFB movement. “A million matters,” he said, referencing the non-profit’s goal to see seven-digit membership by year’s end. “The voice of business matters,” he said, an appreciative nod to involvement by industry heavyweights. “And better infrastructure matters,” he went on, connecting better bike lanes with improved rider safety and participation.
With more two-wheeling commuters joining their ranks every year, PFB is confident they don’t need to soft-pedal their 2025 “5X”goals. Blumenthal and his peloton seek to multiply the current number of PFB members, annual bike rides taken by Americans, the amount of protected bike lanes and dirt parks along with the overall investment in bike-friendly infrastructure by five times; awarding $10 million in grants shows PFB is priming the pump.
Amassing thousands of likeminded cyclists under one banner makes change a better-than-ever probability. Tangible success like that of the Green Lane Project proves the ball (or tire) is rolling. The time’s right for everyone on two wheels – or in their car – to signal they’re ready for a better cycling future.
Tim Blumenthal is no longer riding a lonesome road.
