As the City strategically expands its shared-use path infrastructure, bicycling in Frederick is becoming more than just an opportunity for recreation, but also a viable means of transportation for local residents & employees. This month our Partner Spotlight shines on the voice of this growing local cyclist community: the Frederick Bike Coalition.
1. What is the mission of the Frederick Bicycle Coalition?
Working with government, organizations, and individuals, Frederick Bicycle Coalition Inc. promotes greater access for bicyclists and others in the Frederick County area.
2. Can You Share a Brief overview of the History & Structure of the Frederick Bicycle Coalition?
Frederick Bicycle Coalition Inc. (FBC) began as a way to consolidate the voice of area cyclists. It is a member-driven organization led by a Board of Directors, including: Tom Rinker- President, Roger Rinker- Founder's Chair, Chris Sands- Communications and IT, Alyssa Boxhill- Membership, Debbie Drapper- Secretary, and David Drapper- Treasurer.
FBC has worked with volunteers to create the East Street Pump Track and place five public-use bike pumps in the City. We also worked with the City of Frederick and Frederick County to promote the Monocacy Crossing Trail.
We support the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee in Frederick City and the Frederick County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Members of the Board have also met with and offered to advise individuals, groups, and other interested parties.
3. What are your organization’s top priorities?
One of our top priorities is to increase the mileage and accessibility of off-street mixed-use paths. This has long been an area of much potential growth in Frederick.
4. Can you share exciting upcoming events or news about your organization or the local bicycling community?
FBC will be helping to run the 2020 Emmitsburg Community Heritage Day Bike Rodeo on 6/27/2020 as well as supporting their road and mountain bike events. We will also have an FBC annual membership meeting.
5. How can local businesses get involved in the Coalition or it’s initiatives?
We are a member-driven organization and we need local businesses to financially support our mission and encourage volunteers to help. Business contributions represent the largest single source of income for us. Donations can be made, fundraising events can be held, and various forms of in-kind donations shared.
Brewer's Alley has an FBC event each year in which they donate a portion of their sales to the cause and this past year local breweries joined us on our Pedal Pints project. These breweries designated a particular beer as their Pedal Pints brew and fifty cents or more from each pint was donated to FBC .
6. What other bicycle-related resources would you recommend to local businesses?
Bikes for the World
Bikes for the world accept donations of used tires, tubes, bikes & bike parts. They use these secondhand treasures to establish safe means of transportation for people in need in impoverished areas. The Rotary Club of Carroll Creek leads the local collection in the area.
Baltimore Bicycle Club
The Baltimore Bicycle Club has been a regular supporter of FBC in the form of grants.
Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts (MORE)
MORE is an organization devoted to trail access, preservation and education in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The League of American Bicyclists
The League has been around since 1880 fighting for safety, education, and access for cyclists. FBC is proud to be a member of this organization.
Bike Maryland
Having an an organization that is focused on the needs of the Free State is very important to the health of our state’s cycling infrastructure.
Washington Area Bicyclist Association
The mission of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association is to create a healthy, more livable region by promoting bicycling for fun, fitness, and affordable transportation.
International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)
IMBA is 501(c)(3) Four Star Charity, without a group like this, you can be sure trail access would be a fraction of what it is today!