Kudos to you, Mel!

I might think about reaching out to some non-traditional groups. The more you expand the pool, the more everyone can see that access to transportation is an issue that affects everyone, not just Lycra-clad weirdos.

* Poverty agencies. In rural areas, as you know, it's rare for anyone to think they can't afford a car - it's considered even more important than a house, since it's transportation to work or doctor, and shelter for the homeless. But the agencies serve a disproportionate number of people who've lost their licenses (or chosen to give up driving) due to alcoholism. In my area, at least, it seems that many of the people killed in bike/car wrecks are from this group (which is part of the reason that the problem isn't taken seriously, because the victims are thought of as expendable).

* Religious organizations. As much as it seems the opposite sometimes, not all religions believe that God put the earth here for humans to use up and throw away, and spiritual leaders can "get the word out" very effectively about any number of things. Spiritual leaders could encourage their flock to ride to services to alleviate parking problems, care for the body-as-temple, and care for creation. (gears grinding) A Palm Sunday bicycle procession might be a modern equivalent of the humility of Jesus' donkey ride.

* Fraternal organizations like Sertoma, the Rotary, etc., often sponsor bicycle safety days for kids, so the mission could easily be expanded to educating their own members about fun, inexpensive transportation options.

* What about approaching government (law enforcement, county engineers, etc.) at this stage, so when you do branch into advocacy, they don't see you as an adversary? Just putting a bike rack at the courthouse, e.g., would be a significant psychological gesture.

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