As the current and past presidents of the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association, we ask that you join us in supporting the merger of BPSA and PeopleForBikes with your company's membership. PeopleForBikes is the most successful, professional and solid group our industry has ever supported. Now that we are one, we can use our time-tested voice at all levels of government to sell more bikes and increase participation, faster. Our individual companies stand to benefit as our influence grows.
All thriving industries are represented by effective trade associations. It's time to move forward with one dynamic, fully staffed and visionary group that fights for pro-business policy, trade and tariffs; builds better bike infrastructure; advances a robust statistics and research program; hosts productive networking events; and fosters the development of future leaders.
This merger has been a thoughtful process, beginning in 2014 when BPSA and PeopleForBikes joined forces on legal, legislative and e-bike projects. The opportunities for the industry to maximize our resources were the primary appeals to combine forces. Since then, our collective agenda, clout, recognition and relationships have only grown.
We're encouraged that the passion and involvement of the existing BPSA volunteer board is preserved through the BPSA Trade Association Committee. This committee will keep the BPSA's mission, objectives and programs top of mind, but benefit from more bandwidth from PeopleForBikes professional staff.
Another bright spot of this merger is the opportunity to engage members, across all channels and all positions in the industry, in this entire agenda through four subcommittees: Legal, Legislative + Safety; Electric Bicycles; Research + Statistics; and Membership, Events, Education + Marketing. These subcommittees will meet regularly to make sure the industry is heard and that staff work reflects industry needs.
If you are already a member of either organization, thank you. Continue your membership and join an industry subcommittee. If not, please join the PeopleForBikes Coalition today. A trade association's voice and influence are strongest with membership of all stripes. Every member truly counts.
The potential for substantial, quick progress becomes clear as we combine. The worlds of leisure, sport, transportation and commerce all meet in our industry and we need to work together more than ever before to make bike riding a more significant force in our world. We hope you will join us and get involved.
Pat Cunnane, Cunnane Bicycle, LLC
Roger Gierhart, Trek Bicycle
Adam Micklin, Felt Bicycles
John Nedeau, SRAM
Chris Speyer, REI
