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

(Thanks to our friends and long-time Bike Pittsburgh members Jon Pratt, Kordite, and Erok for the excellent photos.)

Why do we need an organization to work on our behalf?

Because the work simply won’t get done without it.

We have modeled Bike Pittsburgh on organizations like those in Portland, San Francisco, Chicago and New York City, all of which have been around for decades, have upwards of 30 full-time employees and have been able to get a tremendous amount of work done on behalf of their members. Work that results in bike lanes, bike racks, bike-friendly legislation, better transit access for bicyclists, fun events and an ever-increasing number of people who ride bikes.

Does Bike Pittsburgh receive funding from the government?

Bike Pittsburgh has never received funding directly from the state or federal government. The City of Pittsburgh provided partial funding to print our educational guide “Bike Commuting 101,” which they also distribute to educate bicyclists in the City. They have contributed support for our Car Free Fridays events, but we do not have contracts with any governing bodies to carry out work on their behalf.

Who is “Bike Pittsburgh”?

Bike Pittsburgh has four staff working full-time on bicycle advocacy and we represent our ever-growing membership. Find out more about us here.

What does the staff of Bike Pittsburgh do?

Scott Bricker is the Executive Director of Bike Pittsburgh and provides organizational leadership and vision, while making sure that we are executing effectively throughout all aspects of what we do – advocacy, programs, and growing our community.

Eric “Erok” Boerer is the Advocacy Director who works on the strategy for getting bike infrastructure installed, as well as handle the communications much of the web-based troubleshoo

ting/development. “Much of my work involves figuring out how to get all of the things that cyclists need (like bike lanes, racks, and bike-friendly legislation) implemented.”

Lou Fineberg is the Program Manager and he developed and manages Bike Pittsburgh’s Car Free Friday initiative, business memberships, and our Bike Friendly Employer program. He also produced “Bike Commuting 101” and is in charge of bike rack sales.

Lolly Walsh is the Membership Manager. If you get a membership card or renewal letter, it’s from her or a number of our dedicated volunteers. Want to volunteer? She can help you do that too.

How did you get such cool jobs?

Most of our staff helped start the organization! The founding members (three of whom became staff) spent countless hours volunteering for years to improve biking conditions in Pittsburgh.

How can I become a part of this?

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 dozens of different ways that you can volunteer. Register for the Barter Program.

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.

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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