Help Protect the Freedom to Bicycle in California

[Jim Baross]

I'm asking for your help.

For many of us, riding a bicycle represents freedom—the freedom to travel efficiently, stay healthy, reduce our carbon footprint, and experience our communities in unique ways. But that freedom depends on laws, policies, and a public that recognizes bicyclists’ rights to use public roads safely and fairly. The California Association of Bicycling Organizations (CABO at https://cabobike.org/) works to protect those rights and ensure bicyclists are represented whenever transportation policies are written or changed.  

Decisions made in Sacramento and by local governments affect you every day you ride. Rules regarding where you can ride, how bicyclists are treated on the road, and the regulation of new technologies like electric bicycles are constantly changing. Without strong representation, bicyclists’ interests can be easily overlooked, misrepresented, or harmed.

CABO members act to ensure bicyclists have a voice in the development of laws, policies, and transportation decisions. We monitor legislation, advocate for fair treatment, and work to expand safe, equitable access to California’s roads and bikeways for everyone who rides.

CABO’s efforts include:

- Professional Advocacy: Our legislative analysts and lobbyists monitor proposals in Sacramento to protect bicyclists' rights.

- Representation: Bicyclists are represented before state and local legislative and administrative bodies.

- Community Coordination: Cyclists across California share information and coordinate responses through the CABOforum Google Group.

- Education: We promote nationally recognized programs like Smart Cycling and CyclingSavvy to improve cyclists' safety and confidence.

- Informed Policy: We provide law enforcement, traffic engineers, and public officials with accurate information on bicycling laws and cycling's best practices.

- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with local bicycling organizations and the national League of American Bicyclists & American Bicycling Education Association, strengthen our collective voices.

Our advocacy often happens behind the scenes but has a significant impact. For example, CABO worked to ensure that "cycle tracks" (Class IV bikeways) were defined as facilities adjacent to the roadway rather than part of it. This distinction preserves your legal right to choose between riding on the roadway or on the cycle track based on your safety and travel needs. We are also engaged with current legislation, such as Senate Bill 1167, that seeks to clarify the distinction between lawful electric bicycles and other bicycle-like devices and to maintain the safety and integrity of our bikeways.

If you value the ability to ride safely and legally in California, please consider supporting our work. Your contribution helps ensure that bicyclists have knowledgeable, effective advocacy whenever cycling policies are debated.

Please consider supporting CABO today.  Donation & Membership

• $25 helps monitor legislation affecting bicyclists

• $500 supports statewide advocacy and policy analysis

• $1000 strengthens CABO’s voice in Sacramento

Together, we can help protect bicyclists’ rights and improve cycling opportunities throughout California.

Best regards,
Jim Baross
CABO President