Taking Action in a Time of Overwhelm

Like many of you, CalBike’s staff has watched federal changes unfolding in recent weeks with a sense of disbelief and dismay. Bicycling is a crucial part of our transportation system, and while we have a long way to go, recent years have brought progress and added bikeways that benefit all of our communities. Like you, we’ve scrambled to figure out what federal changes will mean for ourselves, our friends and neighbors, and the communities we care about. 

So much has changed so fast, it’s hard to know what to do. Organizations working at the federal level are tracking and analyzing the statements and orders coming out of Washington; you can find a thorough analysis from Transportation for America here. Concrete actions will become clearer over time, but we’ve compiled a list of things you can do to continue all of our work to make California more livable. 

Stay the course

Everything you cared about last year is still something you can work to impact today. Perhaps in the current climate, state-level advocacy would be more effective than national. Perhaps where you live, working at the local level to make changes block by block will have the most significant impact. 

Support the efforts of advocates doing the work you care about

The advocacy organizations that have been working locally and regionally for years are still there, still doing good work, and more necessary than ever. If you haven’t already, join your local bicycle coalition. Join CalBike. Volunteer at a bike kitchen to help people with DIY repairs. Join other local, regional, or national groups doing work you care about and support them with money, time, or both.

Adopt a local project

If the new administration succeeds in withholding funds already committed for transportation projects, local projects you counted on in your community that have been in the works for years may be halted. Transportation for America has developed several spreadsheets outlining the potential loss of funds associated with the elimination of key transportation funding sources in the “What you can do” section of this article. 

For individuals and local advocacy groups who are concerned, adopt a project and provide public support. Go to city council and bike/pedestrian advisory committee meetings. Educate yourself about the constraints your local government is working under, find out what you can do to help, and make calls to your members of Congress to ask them to protect transportation funding.

For local, regional, and state agency staff who have projects with funding in question, Lawyers for Good Government has a Guidance Brief on protecting federal funding and a fund protection clinic offering legal assistance to agencies with funds in jeopardy. 

Work in community

Whatever the scale, wherever you live, there are people out there ready to provide mutual support. If you aren’t already plugged in, find a group to work with. Whether you join CalBike and your local bike coalition, a local Strong Towns chapter organizing using social media, or your neighborhood association’s transportation committee, find others to work with so you can amplify each other and make a difference in your community. We are stronger together, and working together is how we continue our momentum, even on the current hill we are climbing. the current hill we are climbing. 

Keep calm and pedal on

Taking care of your mental and physical well-being can feel selfish in a time of widespread uncertainty, but it’s essential. You have to put the oxygen mask on yourself before you can help others. So go on a ride with friends. Get out in nature. Play with your kids. Throw a ball for a dog. Nurture what sparks joy in you and others.

Then get up tomorrow and do your part to preserve and improve your community