When New York City's bikeshare program launched a year ago, Wall Street Journal editorial board member Dorothy Rabinowitz was not happy.

In a video that went viral, she complained that the new blue bikes were ruining NYC neighborhoods. And she blamed it all on the "all-powerful bike lobby."

Now, it's true that Alliance member organizations across North America have made some enormous gains recently. Every day, the Alliance works to support local advocates so they can be more effective and successful in their communities. While we're far from all-powerful, we are making real progress to improve health and safety in our communities. 

Want to see a truly all-powerful bike and pedestrian lobby? Give to the Alliance before the end of the year — we'll send you "all-powerful bike lobby" and "all-powerful pedestrian lobby" temporary tattoos as thanks.

The reality is that deeply engrained special interests are trying to uphold the transportation status quo, continuing to build dangerous road infrastructure and prioritizing speed over safety. The automotive industry spent more than $40 million on lobbying this year, and nearly 5,000 people lose their lives on United States roads each year. [1] [2]

But we're slowly making gains at the grassroots level.

We're constantly hearing stories of real advocacy wins thanks to the Alliance's trainings and resources. Here's one example:

This year, advocates from Bike East Bay attended the Alliance's Winning Campaigns Training in Oakland, CA, where they planned a tough campaign to pass Measure BB, a ballot measure to raise funding for active transportation. Equipped with Alliance support and training, Bike East Bay WON at the polls on November 4! Measure BB will generate $1 billion for bicycle, pedestrian and transit projects over 30 years in the East Bay. That's a lot of sidewalks and bike lanes.

Advocacy Directory Dave Campbell said, “The training and support we received from the Alliance during this campaign helped us win a major funding victory. Advocacy groups from around the country will benefit from this example.”

In 2015, we want to continue to train advocates and strengthen organizations like Bike East Bay. Our trainings in 2015 will help new community leaders launch powerful campaigns to make their communities better and safer places to bike and walk. Support for grassroots organizations is our best hope for growing a truly all-powerful bike and pedestrian lobby.

But we can't do it without your help.

Please donate to the Alliance to support biking and walking advocacy in 2015. We'll send you temporary tattoos as thanks!

[1] OpenSecrets.org

[2] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System