The Final Mile program offers a unique model of philanthropic investment designed to shape local policy through political action.In the five funded cities, the program helped inform growing interest and support for bicycling, aided local leaders in shaping their goals and contributed to national momentum in favor of improved cycling infrastructure.
Cities are capable of achieving tremendous goals when they have the means and will to do so. TheFinal Mile program asked these cities to find the will (through community-driven advocacy) so local leaders supported byPeopleForBikes could provide the means (funding and expertise).
With a bold vision and sufficient resources, cities are able to establish more ambitious goals and achieve them.
Balance must be struck between elected officials, city staff, advocacy groups, community leaders and residents to achieve success.
Every stakeholder group has a role to play in creating the initiatives. The Final Mile framework helped streamline processes to move the campaigns forward.
Every project faces unique hurdles, including city administration structure, the way resources are allocated and how communities are engaged in the decision making process.
The Final Mile funded parallel strategies in all five cities, but approaches varied to meet the needs of each individual city.
Developing inclusive opportunities to comment was the most efficient way to deliver real feedback to officials from the people most affected by their decisions.
Amplifying supportive voices helps highlight what is most important to the community.
While all cities are unique in their challenges and resources, much of the Final Mile programming can be scaled and applied to cities of all sizes across the U.S. to make connected bike networks achievable anywhere.
Connected bike networks still benefit people who will never use them. Effectively communicating the universal benefits is crucial in building consensus.
Bike networks add value to communities by increasing opportunity, relieving congestion, providing recreation opportunities and more.
