If you ride bicycles in your community, you probably know that for years cycling was at best tolerated and at worst tacitly discouraged in many areas of the U.S.
But attitudes have changed in recent years - and the Thunderhead Alliance, which has been working to improve conditions for the riders who use America’s roads and trails, deserves much of the credit. As a sponsor of this organization, Maxxis is providing crucial support.
In October, Maxxis was the title sponsor of a benefit which showcased the work of world-renowned cycling photographer Graham Watson. The $100-a-ticket dinner raised several thousand dollars for the alliance. And Maxxis’ support for this group isn’t new: in 2003, the company sponsored a San Francisco fundraiser, the Maxxis International Evening at the Metreon with Graham Watson and Bob Roll.
Sue Knaup, Executive Director of the alliance, says that exposure gained from events like these, along with support from corporate partners like Maxxis, is vital to the group’s mission: “Our goals, which include the creation and support of effective and sustainable bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations in all 50 states and at least the 50 top population cities, cannot be reached without sustainable support from corporate partners like Maxxis.”
A national coalition of bicycle and pedestrian advocacy groups, the alliance has 104 member organizations in 46 states, boasting a combined membership of almost 85,000. Founded in the mid-‘90s with the goal of renewing federal transportation legislation, the group has in the years since built a strong, grassroots network. Working primarily at a state and local level, the alliance frequently hosts retreats and training sessions. The group is also a prominent voice at major conferences, and communicates regularly with policy makers on issues which affect cyclists and pedestrians.
According to the Thunderhead website, the advocacy groups that make up the alliance are “highly respected by the public, media and policy makers. Their efforts in their communities and their united strength at the national level has shifted the transportation policy debate from simply accommodating bicycling and walking to creating greater mode shift. All types of communities benefit from the fun and efficiency of cycling - 15% of all trips are made by bicycle - and walking for all reasons, from personal health to environmental sensibility to economic necessity to religious responsibility.”
For more information on the Thunderhead Alliance and how you can help their work for cyclists and pedestrians, please visit thunderheadalliance.org.
