Ask the Advocate

Dear Advocate:

How can I get a badly needed bicycle lane painted in an area where there are no other alternate routes except by car? I live in Moorpark, CA, and the location of the needed bike/ pedestrian lane is a short distance on Princeton Avenue, between the 118 on/ off ramps and High Street.

Thank you for your consideration,

Leonor

Dear Leanor,

I haven't been to Moorpark, but I can help you navigate your way through the process. First, decide if this is a good campaign to undertake. Ask yourself: (1) Is this new bike lane winnable? (2) Do many people care about this bike lane being built? and (3) Are at least a few people very passionate about it? If you answered "yes," the next question to ask yourself is who has the power to make the change? Is it your local mayor? Or perhaps a local department of transportation official? The person who has the power to order a bike lane built on this road is your target.

The next step is to figure out how to reach your target. Draw a circle with your target in the middle. Draw lines connecting this person to the people or groups that influence him or her. Keep adding relationships until you, or others working on this campaign, are on the map. This target map is your path to victory.

Next, think about how you'll reach these people and groups. What is your message? Who needs this new bike lane? How will it change the community? And why do they care? Frame the issue in a way that appeals to the values of your audience and be prepared to ask them to take concrete actions.

Brainstorm tactics that will help you influence the appropriate people, such as petitions, attending meetings, letter-writing, editorials in the local paper and media stunts. When you are considering tactics, make sure the actions you choose will unite rather than alienate potential supporters around this issue. Tactics that attract attention and supporters to the cause are preferable. Of course, at the end of the day, your tactics should be helping you get closer to your goal.

There are many channels you could take to win a needed bike lane, and you and other local advocates are best-equipped to chart the course. Consider your local political climate, culture and relationships to help guide you. Also, consider reaching out to the Alliance for Biking & Walking with specific campaign questions or for help getting started. If you ask yourself the right questions and plot the course, youíll be on your way to a victory... and a nice ride down the bike lane.