Who Are We

How It All Started

Local advocacy started in 1997 - when a group of concerned citizens campaigned to make a progressive bicycling agenda a local government priority. Soon thereafter,

B.I.K.E.S. of Charlotte Mecklenburg, was formed by Dan Faris, currently CABA Board of Directors Chairperson, Rob Cannon, John Cock and many other advocates. Early successes included the 1999 city-wide Bicycle Master Plan and Suitability Map and the subsequent hiring of a full-time Bicycle Program Manager to the Charlotte Dept. of Transportation (CDOT) staff.

New Name, Same Vision

We’re not B.I.K.E.S. of Charlotte Mecklenburg anymore - a name change took in the summer of 2007 in order to better represent the widest possible spectrum of individual and community interests.

CABA builds successful partnerships with business, government, and civic groups without compromising our role as the voice of local bicycle advocacy. CABA is an active member of the Thunderhead Alliance - the national bicycle coalition of 107 local and state groups and a combined budget topping $12.5 million. CABA also lobbies Congress each year at the League of American Bicyclists Summit in Washington, D.C.

CABA is designated by the IRS as a tax exempt, 501- (c) (3) corporation. The Board of Directors and volunteer membership share a common passion for our mission and a willingness to lend their valued time and energy by supporting a range of important initiatives.

Ongoing Activities

MEDIA – coverage by major media: FOX-TV, WSOC-9, WFAE radio, NBC 6, WCNC, Dr. Traffic - Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Weekly cover story, Creative Loafing cover story;

SAFETY AND EDUCATION – sponsorship of basic bike skills class taught by a nationally certified LAB instructor, planning of the annual Cycle Charlotte festival with a “Safe Streets” theme, developing an extensive file of videos and other educational materials, support to the MoJo riders’ “Ride of Silence”, distribution of the “6 Tips for Safe Cycling on Charlotte Streets” poster at bike shops, public opinion surveys of cyclists likes and dislikes;

CIVIC PARTNERSHIPS - collaboration with Dowd YMCA, MS Society and Ortho Carolina, bike clubs and bike shops, CATS and CDOT bicycle program manager. Liaison with the Bicycle Commuter Mentor Program, Center City Partners, offices of Mayor Pat McCrory and County Commission Chair Jennifer Roberts, the Bicycle Advisory. Committee to the Mayor and City Council ;

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS and ADVOCACY– Successful lobbying to support the ½ cent transit tax and Urban Street Design Guidelines passage by City Council; support of bicycle parking and showers at Duke Energy and Wachovia buildings in Uptown; support of funding for a “Safe Routes to Schools” program;

FUN – annual Cycle Charlotte Festival / May 2007, Bike Valet service at the Fall 2007 Uptown Charlotte Shout ! weekend, and CABA Summer picnic in at Latta Park Pavilion.

2007 Accomplishments – CABA 10th Anniversary

The best year yet by far. the best since bicycle advocacy began on the Charlotte scene a decade ago. But 2008 is shaping up to be even better.

Perhaps you are keeping up with CABA’s role of late, but just in case, here are some victories achieved with strong support from bike enthusiasts like you!

• Cycle Charlotte Festival - The second annual May event hosted by Dowd YMCA and endorsed by Center City Partners - with 50% of proceeds going to CABA programming for cycle safety and education;
• Urban Street Design Guidelines - Passage by an 8-3 vote of City Council in 2007 overcoming a 5-year logjam by Char-Meck’s powerful real estate lobby;
• ½ % tax for Light Rail and CATS bus system – Overwhelming passage on November 6. CABA allied with 30 other groups ranging from the Regional Realtor Association to the Char-Meck Black Political Caucus;
• Citywide Bike Plan – CABA shared in publicizing the workshop event and successfully brought Mayor McCrory on board as the key-note speaker. CABA is also assisting the plan consultants and CDOT staff as part of a stakeholder committee review process.

Monthly Meetings – Open to All

Meetings take place on the first Monday of each month, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Plaza Midwood Library small meeting room. Come join us and participate. Meet kindred spirits. You don’t have to be a CABA member to attend. Bike rack out front.

Contact martinzimmerman8@yahoo.com to confirm.