Those of us who have a real desire to improve bicyclist safety and promote bicycling most likely have a "Grand Vision" of a bicycle-friendly world. A vision of attractive, safe, well-designed streets which are buzzing with life: people bicycling to and from school and work and errands, or simply for pleasure. A place where motorists and pedestrians and cyclists have mutual respect for one another's rights. But in order to help make the whole world bicycle-friendly, you need to start with your own corner of it.

"Your corner of the world" may be as small as your neighborhood, school, or as large as the town in which you live. But through the effective organization of a good advocacy group however, your impact on just this "corner" has the potential to be enormous.

Advocacy groups are change agents, working to improve bicycling conditions while simultaneously providing that alternative "Grand Vision" of thriving and bicycle-friendly community life.

One of the most influential and well-known bicycle advocacy groups is The League of American Bicyclists which, according to their website, operates as "the national voice for cyclists". In their pursuit of a more bicycle-friendly America, the League provides support and information to state and local bicycle advocacy organizations across the country on a daily basis.

With an extensive membership that includes 41,000 individuals, 455 recreational clubs and 50 advocacy organizations, the League works for improved bicycling conditions, influences transportation policy and legislation, lobbies Congress for better laws and increased funding and educates cyclists and motorists on safe and fun cycling.

The League has created a "plan of action" to use as a resource for building your own advocacy group. Separated into three phases of an advocacy group's lifespan—forming, sustaining, and growing—the plan offers easy directions for accomplishing many necessary steps. Just click on one of the phases and start reading.