PeopleForBikes is proud to release the Backyard Advocacy Toolkit, a comprehensive new resource designed to help bicycle industry leaders, retailers, suppliers, and community partners drive meaningful progress on better places to ride, expanded trail access, workforce development, and domestic manufacturing in their own communities.
The toolkit offers practical strategies, case studies, and guidance to empower industry members in playing a more proactive role in shaping local decisions that influence bicycling. By drawing on real-world examples, policy frameworks, and best practices, the new resource demonstrates how companies of all sizes can meaningfully contribute to the creation of safe, connected, and accessible places to ride.
"The bike industry has an enormous opportunity to influence what happens in its own backyard," said Jenn Dice, president and CEO of PeopleForBikes. "This toolkit is designed to help companies understand where they can plug in, what steps they can take, and how their leadership can strengthen communities, expand access to riding, and support the entire bike ecosystem."
The Backyard Advocacy Toolkit showcases how industry engagement can move projects forward by working alongside local trail groups, elected officials, city staff, educators, and manufacturing partners. It highlights successful collaborations from across the country, including the work of SRAM and local advocates in Colorado Springs to secure Class 1 electric mountain bike access on designated trails as well as collaboration in Northwest Arkansas between local schools, workforce programs, and manufacturers to build a strong talent pipeline for the bike and outdoor industry. These examples illustrate the powerful role that industry members can play when they connect their business interests with community priorities. The toolkit also highlights the bicycle industry's growing leadership in strengthening domestic manufacturing through place-based, hands-on engagement. Case studies such as PeopleForBikes' Southeast manufacturing study tour and Lauf Cycles' local advocacy in Virginia show how industry collaboration, infrastructure, and direct policymaker engagement can help advance U.S. bicycle production and build a more resilient supply chain.
"Local engagement is often the catalyst for national impact," said Martina Haggerty, PeopleForBikes' vice president of infrastructure. "When companies take action close to home, they help more people ride, create safer and more connected communities, and strengthen the economic and cultural presence of the bike industry."
PeopleForBikes developed the Backyard Advocacy Toolkit to serve as a roadmap for companies ready to take the next step in community involvement. With clear guidance, replicable models, and inspiration from proven successes, the toolkit gives the industry the power to make a measurable impact where it matters most — right at home.
Access the Backyard Advocacy Toolkit today. Interested in learning more? Sign up for PeopleForBikes' upcoming webinar on May 7 and leave equipped with actionable tools to build partnerships, influence decisions, and make biking better in your backyard. With any additional questions, please contact PeopleForBikes Senior Manager of Recreation Policy Rachel Fussell at rachel@peopleforbikes.org.
About PeopleForBikes
PeopleForBikes is the U.S. bicycle industry's trade association, representing more than 340 bicycle industry supplier members. Through our three areas of influence — infrastructure, policy, and participation — we accelerate the construction of safe, fun, and connected places to bike; advance pro-bike and pro-bike-business legislation; and reduce barriers to welcome more people to the joys of riding a bicycle. Our goal: Help the United States become the best place in the world to ride a bike. Learn more at peopleforbikes.org.
