John Allen's campaign: why am I running?

Why am I running?

To its credit, the League has recovered from a financial crisis over the past several years. To that extent, the League's affairs have been well-managed. Organization of rallies, conferences and the National Bike Summit also has been entirely professional.

I am running primarily because I want to help get the League's advocacy efforts and member services back on track.

The League offers a warm and fuzzy slogan, "building a bicycle-friendly America," but the League has completely shed its nationwide volunteer network of legislative advocates, touring information directors, area reps...

The quality of the education program has declined, and advocacy efforts in Washington have focused mainly on getting more government money authorized for facilities.

LAB's main missions are to provide member services, to work for bicyclists' rights at the Federal and state level, and for bicycling education. Other League projects diminish the League's abilities to pursue these goals. Our purpose as an organization is not directly to promote rail trail construction, or physical fitness for the public at large, or more efficient land use. These are the main goals of other organizations. We can lend our support, if we agree with their goals, but we should not try to make over the League to be all things to all people.

A 1996 survey of LAB members showed that our crash rate on sidewalks is about 25 times that on streets. But the League is now recruiting new members with an advertisement showing a cyclist riding on the sidewalk (bottom of image at right). The League's marketing itself through this ad shows how weak is the national staff's understanding of the League's background and goals. You may view a larger version of this image, with additional comments.

Working with other Board members, I will get the League back on track with its members' interests and concerns.

Next: represent member concerns