2021 Goals
The Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) envisions a Maine where bicycling and walking are safe and supported activities enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. In 2021, our goals include:
- Grow our Slow ME Down campaign, which aims to reduce vehicle speeds and the number of crashes with cyclists and pedestrians in Maine. The campaign aims to improve the safety of our roads by normalizing driving at or below the speed limit, and improving road design to better protect pedestrians and people on bikes.
- Strategically expand our Imagine People Here program to make bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements in underserved communities.
- Expand our Bikes for All Mainers program to communities beyond Portland. Bikes for All Mainers, run in partnership with the Portland Gear Hub, currently educates Portland-area adults without financial access to bicycles, many of them recent immigrants, on traffic safety and basic bike maintenance skills. Participants receive a free bicycle, helmet, lock, and lights upon successful completion of the program.
- Provide bicycle and pedestrian safety Education for all ages and abilities throughout the state.
Fundraising events/Opportunities
While uncertainty remains about the type and size of events we will hold in 2021, we expect to be able to host similar or modified versions of our classic events:
- The Great Maine Bike Swap, attended by 1,000-plus people each April, provides an opportunity for Mainers to buy and sell affordable used bicycles.
- BikeMaine, the BCM’s signature event, is a seven-day bike ride and celebration of Maine’s people, places, food, and culture for 450 riders, hosted in a different region of Maine each September.
- The BCM Super Raffle takes place each December and features exciting prizes such as bicycles, a cycling trip to Europe, a BikeMaine registration, and much more!
For more information about event sponsorship and sponsorship benefits, contact mariah@bikemaine.org.
Giving Opportunities
We encourage anyone who’s interested in making Maine better for biking and walking to become a member of the BCM. Every additional member makes our voice stronger as we advocate for safer roads! Members receive our twice-yearly magazine, The Maine Cyclist. Sign up at bikemaine.org/donate.
Businesses are also encouraged to become business members of the BCM. Business members enjoy a wide range of benefits, including promotion on the BCM website and social media, ad space in The Maine Cyclist, educational presentations in the workplace, and more! For additional information, write to mariah@bikemaine.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteers are crucial in making these and other events possible:
- The Great Maine Bike Swap in April – Help us set up 500+ bicycles for sale and guide 1,000-plus shoppers through the process. Witness the joy of New Bike Day over and over!
- BikeMaine, our seven-day bike ride in September – Volunteers can spend part or all of a fun-filled week, ensuring our 450 riders eat well, sleep well, and head off in the right direction each day!
- Become a BCM Community Spoke! Get the training and resources you need to become a local advocate and make biking and walking safer in your community.
Interested in volunteering? Write to info@bikemaine.org.
