Cycling Advocates in Action: Philly Workshop Recap and Insights

A few weeks ago, we headed to Philadelphia, PA to host our second League Cycling Advocate (LCA) workshop. Bringing together passionate cyclists and community leaders for three days of learning, collaboration, and, of course, riding bikes, the Philly LCA workshop was filled with fresh energy, big ideas, and a strong commitment to making our streets safer and more bike-friendly. 

Before we dive into the details, we have to share the love for our local partners whose invaluable help made this event possible. Huge shoutout to the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, Philadelphia’s bike share system Indego, and to the many local advocates who are working tirelessly to keep Philadelphia streets safe for all users.

And now, here’s a look back at the highlights from this incredible workshop!

Three Days of Learning and Inspiration

The workshop started with a warm welcome, setting the tone for an engaging and productive few days together. We then joined up with the local Wednesday Night Ride group which led our cohort of advocates-in-training, along with 150 other cyclists, through the streets of Philadelphia. The ride ended with a joyful networking dinner, complete with good food and great conversation.

The following day and a half was packed with nearly a dozen guest speakers, covering a range of topics to explore the essentials of bike advocacy. From innovative design solutions for bike infrastructure to mastering the art of effective local advocacy, the sessions were both informative and interactive. As facilitators, it gave us chills to witness the energy in the room — it’s always electrifying to see so many passionate changemakers actively engaging in discussions, sharing their experiences, and brainstorming creative solutions to common challenges. 

After the training sessions wrapped up, participants were led on an advocacy-themed group ride to put theory into practice by showcasing tangible examples of bike advocacy efforts around the city. This ride was led by a local advocate, giving a hands-on experience to help attendees understand what it takes to get projects implemented and what success looks like on the streets.

Hands-On Workshops and Collaborative Projects

Some of our favorite parts of the workshop were the hands-on activities. Attendees had the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and dive into real-world scenarios, from crafting their story narrative and compelling advocacy messages to learning how to start and sustain an effective group ride. These sessions not only provided practical skills but also fostered a spirit of collaboration and teamwork.

A highlight was the collaborative project where participants worked in groups to discuss what community meant to them and how both community and government needed to come together.  The energy in the room was palpable as the groups discussed their ideas, struggles, and aspirations. It’s these moments that give us so much hope for the future — there’s a lot of work to do in the realm of bike advocacy, but our vision of a Bicycle Friendly America for all becomes more tangible as we continue fostering spaces for emerging advocates to dream up a better future.

Celebrating Success and Looking Ahead

After the workshop wrapped up and we all biked (or took the train) home, we took a moment to reflect on the lessons learned. The enthusiasm and dedication of everyone involved filled our metaphorical cup of inspiration, and we were especially excited to receive rave reviews from the newly certified League Cycling Advocates. Participants left not only with new skills and knowledge but also with a renewed sense of purpose and a network of like-minded individuals ready to tackle the next challenge.

What we learned in a nutshell: bike advocacy requires dedication, doing the work to invite and inspire people to get engaged, and sharing the joy of bicycling together. Investing in the people who make up the community is especially key for effective local advocacy. We encourage everyone who attended — and everyone getting hyped up by this blog — to take the ideas and skills they gained and put them into action! Whether it’s advocating for better bike infrastructure in your neighborhood or talking to your neighbor about how to get connected with new community projects, every effort counts. 

A Call to Action

If reading about this workshop made you wish you’d been able to join the fun, then you’re in luck! The League is planning to host two more workshops next year, one on the West Coast and one in the Midwest. We will announce the exact locations and dates in our newsletter which you can subscribe to here. We also have a Google Group for Bike Advocates across the country which you can join!

So stay tuned for updates on upcoming events and initiatives. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to push for a world where biking is a safe, enjoyable, and accessible option for everyone. Here’s to a future of vibrant, bike-friendly communities and to all the incredible advocates making it a reality!