This is part one in a series that will answer some questions we are frequently asked about membership. Have a question about membership or Bike Pittsburgh? Submit it to membership@bike-pgh.org and we’ll tackle it here.

Why does membership matter? Why do we want people to join Bike Pittsburgh?

If you’ve been in Pittsburgh for awhile you could probably think back to the year 2000 when there was rarely a bicycle on the street.

There were certainly no bike lanes, no places to lock your bike, and the only bike map that existed was relic from the Sophie Masloff administration circa 1992.

Membership matters because it helps us work towards making Pittsburgh friendlier to people on bikes. More people on bikes means it is safer for everyone.

What does it mean when we say that we’re a “member-based organization”?

It means that we depend on the contributions of individuals who are committed to making Pittsburgh a better place to ride a bike.

Our members are people who don’t have the time to be full-time bike advocates because they’re working at their own jobs and so instead they donate money to Bike Pittsburgh to work on their behalf.

Can’t make it to a public meeting to voice your support or concern for a bike-related matter?

Well, we can! The staff of Bike Pittsburgh represents our members and makes sure that the interests of bicycle riders are heard by city officials and other community stakeholders.

How do I join?

The easiest way to join is by signing up on-line.

You can also mail a check or money order to Bike Pittsburgh, 3410 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15201.

We also offer a Barter Membership program in which people register to offer their time and skills to making Pittsburgh a better place to ride a bike. You have three months to complete ten hours of volunteering and there are a number of different ways that you can volunteer. Register for the Barter Program here.

How do I know if I’m a member?

You are a member of Bike Pittsburgh if you have donated money to us within the last year or have registered for and completed our Barter Membership Program. Still not sure? Email membership@bike-pgh.org to check your status.

I get your newsletter — does that mean I’m a member?

No. Our newsletter is free and available for anyone to subscribe. Members have donated money to the organization within the last year, or completed our Barter Membership program. So even if we’re friends on Facebook, you follow us on Twitter, post to our message board, receive our newsletter, have gone to one of our events or rides, you may not be a member since these are free for everyone.

We’re glad you pay attention to our work and like the things we’re accomplishing for Pittsburgh — please join nearly 1500 other Pittsburghers who are supporting our work by becoming a Member today.

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Not a member of BikePGH? Join today! We need you to add your voice! Bike Pittsburgh works to protect cyclist’s rights and promote the vision of making Pittsburgh a safer and more enjoyable place to live and to ride. For more info, check out: www.bike-pgh.org/membership