Sun 1/19 @ 2pm

As Cleveland continues to transform and reinvent itself, one of the biggest catalysts has been the city’s cyclists and biking advocates — with Bike Cleveland among the most vocal.

The dedicated and passionate locals that make up this organization have literally and metaphorically changed the city’s landscape in recent years. This weekend, they invite the public to join them at the Beachland Ballroom & Tavern for their Annual Member’s Meeting to look back at their accomplishments in 2013, and ahead to their goals for 2014.

“We are excited to bring together our members and supporters to celebrate our accomplishments from 2013 at our annual meeting on January 19th,” says Bike Cleveland’s executive director Jacob VanSickle. “2013 was a year of firsts for cycling across Greater Cleveland. The first bike safety public awareness campaign, Ride Together, was launched; for the first time 3 cities received a bicycle friendly community designation from the League of American Bicyclists; and several streets received their first ever bike lanes.

“In 2014 we will build off those firsts and continue to make our region a safe place for people of all ages and skill levels to ride a bike.”

The numbers tell the story. In 2013, 1300+ Clevelanders competed in the National Bike Challenge – logging 696,000 miles in just 5 months and saving over 311,000 pounds of carbon dioxide. More than 700 people biked to work during 7 bike-to-work events with the Cleveland Bike Rack; bike fix-a-thons and bike light giveaways fixed 55 bikes and distributed 70 bicycle lights.

Critical Mass events consistently attract hundreds, if not thousands, of cyclists for large-scale trips to various parts of the region every month. The “Critical Mass” title is becoming more and more fitting for the event (and the movement). Northeast Ohio’s love for cycling only seems to be growing as time goes on.

“In 2014 Bike Cleveland’s focus is on safer streets,” continues VanSickle. “We will grow our current advocacy efforts to advance projects and infrastructure that will make Cleveland a safer place for people to bike. Through our advocacy and programming in Cleveland neighborhoods and across Greater Cleveland we will grow the diversity and power of the biking movement in Cleveland.

“There are barriers to overcome in order to make our streets safer for people on bikes. But through our members, we can build a powerful political force for better bicycling in our region. It starts with everyone who supports safer streets becoming a member of Bike Cleveland. Members help increase our political clout, give voice to the priorities of the bicycling community, and provide funds to support our advocacy campaigns.”

Sunday’s meeting at the Beachland will begin at 2pm, but doors will open at 1:30 to give you plenty of time to lock up your bike and register to become a member of Bike Cleveland. The meeting will last about an hour. Bike Cleveland’s board and staff will discuss their many accomplishments of 2013, and discuss their plans and goals for 2014. The group will also recognize the hard work of their dedicated volunteers.

Following the meeting, attendees will have an opportunity to socialize with like-minded cycling fans and activists – including Bike Cleveland’s board of directors, staff and members. The afternoon will also include a special opportunity to sing karaoke on the Beachland’s stage.

Center map Traffic Bicycling Transit

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