National non-profit Bikes Belong just launched a new grant program to fund research on how bicycle facilities and events impact the economy. Seems like a very smart way to spur thinking and the public dialogue about this issue. Read the official announcement below…
Bikes Belong Foundation launches Bicycle Research Grant Program
Boulder, CO—The Bikes Belong Foundation announced today the launch of a new grant program to fund research on the economic impact of bicycling facilities and events. The Bicycle Research Grant Program will award a total of $40,000 in grants to academic or non-profit research institutions in 2011. Grants will range from $5,000 to $10,000.
This new program aims to fill a crucial knowledge gap. Collecting quantitative evidence on the benefits bicycling brings to local, regional, and national economies will help encourage and guide investments in bicycling.
In 2010, Bikes Belong awarded small grants for studies currently underway on the economic impact of bicycling in Portland, OR and at the Allegrippis Trails in Raystown Lake, PA. The new dedicated research grants program will provide more opportunities to support similar studies.
The application deadline for the first round of grants is March 31, 2011.
In addition to funding economy-driven projects, Bikes Belong will consider innovative or unique research on other bike-related topics on a case-by-case basis.
To learn more about the program or to apply for a research grant, visit www.bikesbelong.org/foundation. Questions can also be directed to the grants manager (zoe@bikesbelong.org) or research analyst (kate@bikesbelong.org).
About Bikes Belong
The Bikes Belong Foundation, host to the Peopleforbikes.org campaign, focuses on improving bicycle safety and enhancing children’s bike programs. The Foundation is the charitable arm of the Bikes Belong Coalition – the U.S. bicycle industry organization dedicated to getting more people riding bikes more often. Bikes Belong Coalition works to increase federal bike funding, awards grants to support innovative bike projects, promotes bicycling and its benefits, and backs crucial national efforts such as Safe Routes to School, Bicycle Friendly Communities, and the National Bike Summit.
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