2008 was a great year for cycling in the City of Pittsburgh, and a great year for us at Bike Pittsburgh. As we come to the end of our seventh year in operation, we're very excited to share with you all we've been able to accomplish.

First, we'd like to say a big thanks to all of our new and renewing members and everyone who supported us this year.  In 2008, we increased our membership by over a third, bringing us within reach of 1000 (only 150 needed to take us into 4-digit membership numbers). This is extremely important in these tough financial times because it is becoming more difficult for organizations to acquire foundation support. And, as we have all heard, things are most likely going to get worse before they get better.  Diversifying our income has never been as important as it is now, so please chip in and become a member or renew, and ensure that BikePGH continues to fight for your safety and livable streets in the city you call home.  If you're not already a part of this exciting grassroots movement of cyclists, for cyclists, then now's your chance!

Newsmakers!  We were in the news more than 30 times this year.

Expanded and Developed our Board of Directors by electing four new board members (Lena Andrews, Richard Butler, Mary Franzen, and Mac Howison).

Authored a strategic plan that outlines short, medium and long term goals for us to achieve. Thanks to everyone who attended the kickoff meeting last year and providing input as we embarked on this important process. Download the one-page summary here.

Expanded our Bicycle Valet Service, a great way to park large numbers of bikes while getting our name in front of cyclists.  We were present at such notable events as the Tour of Pennsylvania, the Bob Dylan concert at the SouthSide Works, and the Sprout Fund's Hothouse Party. 

Rolled out our Corporate Partner Program. This program encourages local businesses to help make Pittsburgh more bike friendly by supporting our work.

And here's a month by month rundown of our noteworthy accomplishments in 2008:

February Due to our advocacy, the Port Authority pledged 100 new racks, with the ultimate goal of outfitting every bus on the fleet

March  On our visit to Washington DC for the National Bike Summit, our efforts got Representative Doyle (D-PA,14) to sign onto the National Bike Bill, and get Jason Altmire (D-PA, 4) to sign onto the Congressional Bike Caucus

May  We released the online version of our Pittsburgh Bike Map.  This is one of the most comprehensive bicycle maps of any U.S. city.

May Organized Bike to Work Day activities for the seventh year running.

June/July Hosted the 4th annual BikeFest, the largest festival of cycling in the region, and one of our largest membership generators. 

August Bike Pittsburgh and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl announce the hiring of Stephen Patchan to a new city position, the Bike/Ped Coordinator.  Our unique partnership with the City allowed Pittsburgh to be the first city in the State of Pennsylvania to hire a full-time Bike/Ped Person.  Councilperson Patrick Dowd also announced the "Four E's Initiative," Education, Events, Enforcement, and Engineering.  Members and cyclists rejoiced at one of the biggest wins to ever come to Pittsburgh cyclists!

August The Port Authority, working with Bike Pittsburgh, announced the lifting of some restrictions regarding bicycles. There are no more peak restrictions on the incline, and folding bikes can be brought onto the T and aboard buses (provided there's no rack) at any time.

September According to the US Census, Pittsburgh increases its bicycle commuters by 37% from the year before.  Although we're not taking credit for that, the fact that our membership also increased by roughly the same percentage this year only helps support these findings.

October We launched the 2009 version of our popular Pittsburgh Bike Map. This time we shrunk it down to a more manageable size, increased the number of copies, and made some very cool updates (T stops, bridge info, more "notable places") and corrections based on your input.

October Bike Pittsburgh and the City work together to give East Liberty Blvd Pittsburgh's first safety-improving "road diet." One lane of car traffic was removed to allow for a bicycle-only lane.

November Generated lots of press due to our bikethestrike.org, a website that we created to help new cyclists in case of a lockout or transit strike.  Fortunately, the strike was averted, but the concise online "how to bike to work" guide was created in the process, with plans of a future print version. 

December Our Pittsburgh Bike Map wins Print Magazine's Regional Design Annual Award.

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Bike Pittsburgh gratefully acknowledges the Richard King Mellon Foundation, Heinz Endowments, The Sprout Fund, The Benter Foundation and our members for their generous support.