What is the BWA-NH?

The Bike-Walk Alliance of NH started as the Granite State Bicycling Alliance (GSBA) in late 2004 as a state-wide education and advocacy organization intended to address all aspects of bicycling within the State of New Hampshire. As of October 2005, the scope and management of the organization was changed to encompass pedestrian advocacy and education programs as well. There was no organization in the state speaking up for or coordinating pedestrian interests. Following the guidelines of national bicycling organizations which now include pedestrian components in their programs, the GSBA expanded and selected a new name to better represent the purpose of the Alliance. One goal is to work with all groups and programs in the state of NH by helping to publicize what is available. All too often we have found that some great ideas are not fully utilized as people don't know a program or service exists. By being the primary resource in NH for all bicycling and pedestrian-related programs, the Alliance and all interested parties should benefit.

 

We are to be a non-profit 510(c)3 corporation initially staffed by vounteers who wish to help improve the environment for all bicyclists and pedestrians. Some key areas include education, legislation, road and trail design and maintenance, safety programs, and enforcement of the rules of the road -- for motorists as well as bicyclists and pedestrians. Please see the About Us page for more details.

Why was the original GSBA formed?

The GSBA was formed in late 2004 as a spin-off from the Granite State Wheelmen (GSW) bicycling club, a recreational 510(c)7 organization formed in 1971. In past years, many GSW members contributed a lot of time and effort toward NH projects including the state bike maps, roadway design improvements, trail development, etc., but as a recreational club the subject of bicycling advocacy was secondary and could not be funded by outside donations and grants. The GSBA was formed to join the ranks of bicycling advocacy groups as present in almost every state in the country. We had a good working relationship with the organizations in Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont as our closest neighbors. We were also afilliated with the Thunderhead Alliance, the national bicycling advocacy organization, and with the League of American Bicyclists which has the most highly recognized national bicyclist education program. These connections are being maintained and strengthened as the BWA-NH implements our plans in 2006.

 

What can the BWA-NH do with just a small staff?

 

Even with limited resources and time, the BWA-NH is capable of helping to spread the word about all aspects of bicycling and pedestrian subjects in New Hampshire. Our web site is being designed to be a "portal" which will provide information and links to other web sites in order to answer questions and let everyone know what is available. All too often some very good plans are developed and implemented by a group or community but no one outside of the immediate area knows about it. By having noteworthy programs posted on the BWA-NH web site, areas like Keene, Hanover, Lebanon, and Berlin will know what is happening in Concord, Manchester, Portsmouth, and Nashua, and vice-versa. Also, BWA-NH's small staff can work with various state agencies to help implement better bicyclist and motorist education programs, improve conditions on our roadways and trails, and be a resource for all types of bicycling information. As our organization grows we see many other avenues to explore which should help make the bicycling environment better for everyone.

 

 

What can I do to help?

Every organization, even non-profits like the BWA-NH, needs a certain level of funding to meet expenses and offer various programs. We encourage more volunteers to become involved in our projects and goals, likewise we welcome sponsors to join as dues-paying members. Benefits provided to our members will include free publicity via our web site and discounts on bike parts and accessories at many of the larger bike shops around the state. For information about joining the BWA-NH, please see our Join Now page.

 

I have more questions -- how do I contact someone in the BWA-NH?

 

Sending email to info@bwanh.org may be the most convenient, but phone calls and postal mail are also welcome. Please feel free to call the BWA-NH office at 603.898.9926 or write to the Bike-Walk Alliance of NH, 57 Regional Drive, Suite 6, Concord, NH 03301-8518. All calls and emailed inquires are normally answered within 48 hours.