The FresYes Non Profit Interview: The Fresno County Bicycle Coalition (FCBC)

So tell us, who are you, where did you come from, and what do you do?

The Fresno County Bicycle Coalition (FCBC) is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Fresno, CA. We promote cycling for all through community involvement, local activism, and events throughout Fresno County. In addition, FCBC monitors active transportation legislation and we encourage our membership to support legislation that makes bicycling easier, safer, and more inclusive.

FCBC hosts a variety of activities and events in Fresno County such as bicycle safety classes, DIY bike repair, as well as recreational rides that encourage people to explore their communities by bicycle. FCBC voices the needs and concerns of bicycle riders through our work with the City of Fresno Bicycle and Active Transportation Advisory Committee and Department of Public Work.

Tell us about the organization

Fresno County Bicycle Coalition (FCBC) is an all volunteer organization established in 2001. It may say bicycle in our name, but our members include people who ride bicycles, as well as people who ride tricycles, and people who walk and take public transit more often than they bike. There is probably even a unicycle rider in the group. We drive cars too. Although, some of us are car-free.

FCBC works to build healthy, equitable, and safe communities through advocacy, education, and collaboration that promotes bicycling for everyday transportation and recreation.

Transportation costs are the second largest expenditure for most American households. (the largest expenditure is housing.) That comes to about $819 per month or about 12% of the average household income. So riding a bicycle, even if it is only for occasional short trips, can help save money and it is fun. Boring errands become much more fun when you ride a bike.

Bicycling is an affordable, sustainable, and enjoyable mode of transportation. Fresno communities can reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and fossil fuel dependency and also improve access to jobs, education, and other essential services through the development of integrated bicycle networks.

Fresno County Bicycle Coalition is working toward a Fresno County where people of all ages and abilities feel safe biking to any destination, near or far, in Fresno County.

Tell us about something that you do that makes you stand out

If you want to impress people (and yourself), start doing things by bike. Since driving is the default mode of travel for many people, getting where you need to go by bicycle makes you stand out. You don’t even need to bike far to wow people. Most car trips are less than three miles, which is about a 10 minute bike ride.

Everyone in the Fresno County Bicycle Coalition bikes for different reasons, for different distances, and to different destinations. All of the rides are amazing! Some of us are commuting to work five days a week rain or shine by bike. Others of us are doing the weekly Costco and Trader Joe’s runs by recumbent trike. Parents are biking with their kids a few blocks to the local park.

Grandparents are putting their bikes on YARTS to ride in Yosemite. Whether you are dropping books off at the library after school or trekking across the County on the weekends, Fresno County Bicycle Coalition is here to offer support and guidance so that you, your family, and your friends have fun and reach your destinations safely.

Get more tips on how to impress people with your amazing biking skills by attending a Fresno County Bicycle Coalition Smart Cycling Class or a Bike Station repair pop-up.

What is it that most people DON’T know about your organization?

You don’t need a bicycle (or even know how to ride a bike) to be a member of the Fresno County Bicycle Coalition! We regularly host events that can be enjoyed without a bicycle. Many of our events are free too. Bike Cafe is one such event. Bike Cafe is a monthly gathering to chat about bike topics. Bike Cafe guests have shared stories about everything from bike camping to hauling large loads that you would think would require a truck, and more. In September, Councilmember Karbassi shared what he learned on his trip to Munster, bicycle capitol of Germany, and how it can applied in Fresno. We would love to have you join us at Bike Cafe. It is a great source of inspiration and the perfect place to ask questions. Currently, Bike Cafe chats are on Zoom.

How can our readers help?

We are always adding events to the FCBC calendar.
Here are two largest events coming up.

We are excited about the PEDAL Summit coming up in Fresno October 27-29. The schedule includes workshops, bicycle rides, and a film festival. The conference is a gathering of transportation professionals, policymakers, and active transportation advocates from around the world to share ideas that promote sustainable transportation design, planning, and policy. In addition to the conference workshops, there will be bicycle rides and a film festival where the public can celebrate cycling in the Fresno region. There is more information and a schedule of all workshops and activities at https://www.fresnotransposummit.org/

Bike Prom returns on November 4! Dust off your suits and prom dresses (or find something dazzling at your favorite thrift store) for this epic night. It will be a fun, leisurely roll to from FAB to South of Shaw Beer Co. There will be music, a free raffle, dancing, a selfie station, and we will (of course) vote for prom King and Queen! Get your tickets! https://www.fresnobike.org/event-5380256

What else should our readers to know?

If you have a bicycle that you are no longer using and would like to donate it, please contact us.

If you are in need of a bicycle, please contact us. The supply is dependent on what is donated.

The Fresno County Bicycle Coalition (FCBC)

With your help, we can make Fresno County more bicycle friendly.
Become a member at https://www.fresnobike.org/join

Join us at an event. All are welcome! https://www.fresnobike.org/calendar

Watch Bike Cafe Videos https://www.fresnobike.org/videos

Interested in volunteering? Have a question or idea?
Send us a note at info@fresnobike.org

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FresYes Writing Team

We say “Yes and” to our community, which we love to work and live in. We always speak positively about our growing business, each other and the Fresno community. We are proud to support local businesses, engage in what’s happening in our community and lovingly participate in as many volunteer activities as we can as individuals and as a collective group. We are generous and we are proud to give back.

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