Leaders within the Richmond region bicycling community have announced the launch of the Greater Richmond Bicycle Coalition, a new partnership of organizations and individuals formed to coordinate and encourage progress in bicycle infrastructure projects within Richmond and the surrounding region. Members of the Coalition have met over the past few months to discuss the continued need for bicycle infrastructure and programs that appeal to people of all ages and abilities, and that encourage bicycle use for everyday transportation, recreation, and sport.

“We have a great dirt trail system and a thriving racing culture in the Richmond region. But we also want our kids, parents, and grandparents to safely and comfortably bike to school, the grocery store, and the park,” said Max Hepp-Buchanan, director of Bike Walk RVA for the Sports Backers. “Richmond should be bikeable for everyone, from an eight-year-old child to her eighty-year-old grandfather.”

With combined membership numbering in the thousands, Coalition partners will be active in promoting bike-friendly plans, policies, and funding within the Richmond region by encouraging local elected officials to prioritize development of a connected network of shared-use paths, protected bike lanes, bicycle boulevards, and other bicycle infrastructure needs.

“Richmond officials have been talking about bike infrastructure for years, and now is the time to act. With just two-and-a-half years until the entire cycling world will be focused on the Richmond region as the host of the 2015 UCI Road World Championships, we have more reason than ever to become a bike-friendly city,” said Tim Miller of Richmond 2015.

The Coalition partners share a vision of a Richmond region that is vibrant and where people want to live, work and play; where people are healthy and active; and where quality of life is made better because bicycling is safe, convenient, and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities. The mission statement of the Greater Richmond Bicycle Coalition is, “Building a Richmond region that is bikeable for everyone.”

The growing list of Coalition partners includes:

Richmond-area residents, businesses, and organizations can join the Greater Richmond Bicycle Coalition by visiting www.rvabike.org. The Coalition also has a social media presence, including Facebook (www.facebook.com/GreaterRichmondBicycleCoalition) and Twitter (@RVABicycle) to provide residents with further information on how to join the coalition and get involved. Questions about the Coalition can be directed to info@rvabike.org.

The Coalition will host a Bike Month Wrap Party at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on Friday, May 31 from 5 PM until 8 PM. The celebration is open to the general public, including children, and will feature live music by local band Solpocket. Ten percent of beer sales go to benefit the Greater Richmond Bicycle Coalition.