Why do bicyclists in Carmel need a voice?

(This summary was first presented to interested members of the Carmel cycling community in early 2016. )

Change is coming to Carmel:

• Change in how we live – more apartments, and senior living, with changing demographics and population density
• Change in where we work – more large scale, regional headquarters
• Change in how we get around – transportation projects to support larger employers, with a more mixed work force

Effective Bicycle Advocacy is essential if our common interests are to be represented in the shaping the change that is coming.  The goal for Carmel Pedal organizers is to create a broad interest Bicycling Community that can work for greater Safety and Facilities advocacy.

Create a Community

• Bring together casual riders, utility riders and enthusiasts to form a stronger voice, while demonstrating the breadth of community support for bicycling
• Identify the true needs of the cycling community, and identify specific problem areas
• Connect more new riders to the other regional, state and national resources

Safety Advocacy

• Law Enforcement - A dialog with local enforcement on their concerns, based on what they observe, what they enforce, and the complaints they hear concerning cycling.
• Cycling Community - Continuing the dialog in communicating these concerns with local cyclists
• Non-Cycling Community  - a safety message for those we share roads and trails with.

Facilities Advocacy

• Recreation – Connectivity must be made essential part of current trail network
• Road – road design must consider cyclists needs where path intersect and when the trail ends
• The Last Mile – destinations must be bicycle friendly, offering, safe, secure bicycle facilities that also support the needs of both casual riders and bicycle commuters

This summary is only starting point, and what we can accomplish depends on participation from all members of the bicycling community.  To learn more and stay touch, follow us on the Carmel Pedals Facebook page, or sign-up for Carmel Pedals emails.