How does Bike Walk's Bicycle Friendly Mississippi campaign work? 

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Over the years, the state of Mississippi has moved up and down in the statewide rankings largely due to our progress compared to other states. What this means to put it simply is that some years, our state's progress clearly outshines other state's efforts while during other years, other state's might launch a new campaign, pass a new law or start a new program. In other words, it doesn't mean we aren't making progress. It actually means that bicycling is becoming more of a priority for all states and we have to continue to fight to improve our rankings and show others the Mississippians believe in the bicycle as a tool for a healthier, safer and more connected state. In fact, we have been steadily climbing from #47 to #35...all the way to #31 and now, unfortunately back to #40. We continue to make steady progress in increased infrastructure, local political buy-in and programs. Primarily due to lack of financial resources in Mississippi, we continue to struggle when it comes to the prioritization of federal funding for bicycle and pedestrian related projects in Mississippi particularly as it relates to assistance with local matching funds, creating a statewide bike/ped plan and setting performance goals for riders of all types.

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Bike Walk Mississippi has been the statewide voice for the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians for 24 years. We know the steps that are needed to make the state of Mississippi a better place for everyone on bicycles. One way we are pushing this forward is by working with our local, regional, statewide and national partners on our brand new statewide advisory committee. This committee (which you can apply to join!) will work with our partners to help create a statewide bike/ped plan, continue to ask our Mississippi's leadership to increase focus on bicycle on pedestrian safety and advocate for the creation of "on the books" implementation of these values by passing a statewide complete streets policy and adding these goals to the Highway Safety plan. Bike Walk Mississippi has led the way working with these partners to host 3 statewide Bike Walk Summits, focusing on providing trainings, best practices and technical assistance. Bike Walk Mississippi is also working with contractors from across the nation to offer training programs to law enforcement officers and is currently developing training for motorists and bicyclists of all levels and abilities. Bike Walk Mississippi is committed to what it takes to make fundamental improvements in these areas to build a increasingly bicycle and pedestrian friendly Mississippi...but, we need YOUR help!  We can't do it without you!  

 

You can support this effort as easy as 1 - 2 - 3! 

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1. Support the cause by making a DONATION TODAY to support this important work! 

2. Purchase a "Share the Road" license plate tag!  Proceeds go the Bicycle Friendly Mississippi campaign!

3. Add your voice by applying HERE to become a member of Bike Walk Mississippi's statewide Advisory Committee!

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What else can you do? 

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Maybe you want to help but more on a local level? ​​

• Do you want to host a police officer training program in your community? We are currently looking for partners!

• Do you want to launch a bicycle safety campaign in your community? We have everything you need!  

• Do you want to join a Regional Action Team to discuss and plan advocacy work in your region?  

Email us at bikewalk@bikewalkmississippi.org and tell us which you are interested in! 

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Maybe you want to get started on a few things in your community right now! 

• Start working to increase your local community's Bicycle Friendly ranking with our Advocacy Toolkit! 

• Start planning walk and bike to school programs with our Safe Routes to Schools Toolkit!

• Let your local leadership know how they can start to transform your community with our City Leader Toolkit! 

 

We can help teach YOU how to start local programs, advocate for local policies and transform your community today!

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Bikeable and Walkable communities don't just happen.  Support the statewide advocacy effort to build a better Mississippi.

 

Support Bike Walk Mississippi today.