Welcome to the rides section of our bicycle advocacy wiki. Whether you're organizing your first community ride or planning a Critical Mass event, you'll find comprehensive resources here to help make your cycling events successful, safe, and impactful.
Organized bicycle rides serve multiple important purposes:
- Build Community: Create connections between cyclists and strengthen local support networks
- Increase Visibility: Show the public and policymakers that cyclists are an important part of the transportation landscape
- Advocate for Change: Draw attention to safety concerns, infrastructure needs, or policy changes
- Celebrate Cycling: Share the joy of riding with others and welcome new people to the activity
- Memorialize & Honor: Pay respect to those injured or lost while cycling
Before diving into specific types of rides, consider these universal principles:
- Define Your Purpose: Be clear about why you're organizing this ride
- Know Your Audience: Design the event for your intended participants (families, experienced cyclists, etc.)
- Plan Your Route: Consider safety, visibility, difficulty, and meaningful destinations
- Build Your Team: Recruit volunteers for various roles needed for a successful event
- Promote Effectively: Use both online and offline methods to reach your target audience
We have detailed guides for various types of cycling events:
To help make your event as effective as possible, explore these additional wiki resources:
Learn from other organizers who have created meaningful and effective cycling events:
To Do: Write up case studies
Remember that every successful ride begins with a clear vision and careful planning. We hope these resources help you create cycling events that bring joy, build community, and advance meaningful advocacy for cyclists in your area.