PACIFIC CYCLE JOINS BIKES BELONG

Jan 18, 2007

Written by Bart de Jong

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Madison, Wis. – January 18, 2007 – Pacific Cycle, the leading bicycle supplier in the U.S. and the owner and distributor of popular bicycle brands including Schwinn, Mongoose, and GT Bicycles, has joined Bikes Belong, the national coalition of more than 350 bicycle suppliers and retailers working together to put more people on bicycles more often. “As the world’s leading bicycle supplier, we have a responsibility and a desire to support the industry that is the backbone of our business,” said Jeff Frehner, CEO of Pacific Cycle. “Joining Bikes Belong is the right thing to do and an effective way to promote cycling and get more people riding bicycles. We’re excited to be a part of this important organization.”

“Pacific Cycle’s commitment is great news for Bikes Belong and U.S. bicycle advocacy,” said Tim Blumenthal, Executive Director, Bikes Belong.

“Not only is Pacific Cycle a big player in the independent bicycle dealer channel,” said Blumenthal, “but they’re No. 1 in the mass market. Their support of Bikes Belong demonstrates their commitment to the entire bike industry and the effort to get more people riding bicycles.”

Manufacturers, distributors, retailers and individuals who sell bicycle-related products or services are eligible for membership in Bikes Belong Coalition.

The Bikes Belong Coalition has four strategies to put more people on bicycles more often:
-Lobbying for bicycle-friendly policies in Washington, D.C.
-Awarding grants for bicycle facility projects
-Supporting national groups who are performing innovative leadership work that promotes bicycling
-Promoting bicycling as a safe, convenient, healthy activity for families and people of all ages

Bikes Belong led the effort to maximize federal funding for bicycle facilities in the 2005 federal transportation law, SAFETEA-LU. Bikes Belong members invested $1 million in a lobbying effort that gained $4.5 billion for bicycling and walking—$2 billion more than the previous law. This victory is a testament to the power of the bicycle industry when we work together toward a common goal.

“Pacific Cycle’s support will enable Bikes Belong to accomplish even more in Washington, D.C., such as building stronger relations with Congressional leaders and maximizing federal funding for new bike facilities,” said Blumenthal.