On January 1, 2012 our organization officially became “Bike Virginia”! 
We are proud to announce this name change and the reason behind it.
As of this month we are Bike Virginia, our mission is solely focused on bicycling.
Over the past 12 years we have worked to address both bicycle and pedestrian issues. That time was not without challenge. While the two matters converge at some critical junctures, often the things bicyclists and pedestrian needs require very different advocacy and at times these interests are at odds to one another.
Over time we’ve learned that the strongest synergy lies in bicycle education and advocacy because at the community level cycling is better organized. Clubs and groups for dedicated to bicycling exist across Virginia. In our experience the biggest changes happen when fostered at the community level. Working with local groups creates greater impact. By focusing in on bicycling alone we can offer even more to localities.
“Walking advocacy tends to be less formalized. People walk all the time, but it’s hard to get people passionate about the topic, passionate to the point where they will dedicate time and energy to improving walking,” said Dr. Kim Perry, Executive Director of Bike Virginia. Does this mean the organization does not care about walking? Not at all. We recognize walking as a critical mode of transportation and recreation. Our organization is a strong proponent for multi-use paths and greenways, both are frequently used and enjoyed by walkers and runners. Walking will also continue to be a part of our Share the Road messaging and our Awareness Week campaign.
“We are also seeing a growing energy in local governments to include walking in planning,” said Perry. Bike Virginia also works with national organizations that support walking such the Alliance for Biking and Walking, Coalition for Smart Growth, and Complete Streets.
After much consideration, the board and staff at Bike Virginia concluded that we can have the most impact by carefully focusing our work. We are very excited about this concentrated mission. Look for more changes soon. Our domain name will change to reflect the new organization name. There is a design contest underway for a new logo. The organization website will go through a refresh, to look and feel more like our Resource website. New programs and events will be added.
“There are a lot of good things coming,” said Dr. Perry as she spoke of the year ahead.
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