Ever wonder who is responsible for the bike lane you pedal over or why that bike parking rack is exactly where you want it? Answer: Your local bicycle advocacy group! Every bike rack, bike lane and free bike parking service you take advantage of can be linked back to your local bike advocacy group.

More and more people just like you are choosing to get around by bike, and bicycle advocacy groups work every day to speak up and improve your ride by helping to create thriving, respectful streets that are more enjoyable to bike on. By joining your local bicycle advocacy organization, you are amplifying the voice petitioning city leaders to stripe more bike lanes, add more secure bicycle parking and build car-free paths so that people of all ages can safely bike anywhere they want.

Becoming a member makes you an active part of transforming your community for more enjoyable biking and healthier living. Membership will get you perks like invites to events and discounts at local shops, not to mention bicycle advocacy that represents you. The success of these advocacy groups relies on your membership donation, so what’s stopping you? Join your local bicycle advocacy group today and be part of a group that is making a positive change in your community. With your help, they’ll do even more tomorrow.

East Bay Bicycle Coalition

Founded in 1972; 2,700 members

four full-time, two part-time staff

Hot Project: Fighting for a bike pathway on the West Span of the Bay Bridge, which will provide shore-to-shore access via the new East Span of the Bay Bridge opening in 2013 and a world-class approach from Oakland through Gateway Park. ebbc.org

Marin County Bicycle Coalition

Founded in 1998; 1,500 members

four full-time, 10 part-time staff

Hot Project: Conducting a Bike Locally campaign from May-October to increase the number of trips taken by bicycle in Marin County. Bike Locally outposts will be set up on weekends, providing free cycling resources. marinbike.org

Napa County Bicycle Coalition

Founded in 2007; 100 members

one part-time staff

Hot Project: Advocating for Old Stanly Lane to be resurfaced and maintained on a regular basis for improved biking safety and access, as well as working to ensure that the Commuter Bike Path project is completed by summertime. napabike.org

San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

Founded in 1971; 11,000 members

10 full-time, one part-time staff

Hot Project: Rethinking Market Street and improving it for bicycling before a full repaving in 2013. Pushing the City to test smart ideas, such as forced turns for cars and separated bike lanes, to transform Market Street into a world-class biking corridor. sfbike.org

Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition

Founded: late 1970s; 730 members

two full-time, four part-time staff

Hot Project: Bringing VeloVia to San Jose on May 15th. At this event, San Fernando Street will become a promenade for thousands of people to walk, dance, stroll, play games and have a good time. bikesiliconvalley.org

Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition

Founded in 2001; 1,100 members

three full-time, three part-time staff

Hot Project: Working with police and our city and county governments to launch effective bicyclist harassment and road hazard reporting programs. bikesonoma.org