Bicycle advocacy training at NAHBS Indianapolis

Cycling advocates will find something in addition to beautiful bicycles in Indianapolis during the North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS), Feb 27 - Mar 1, 2009, when the Indiana Bicycle Coalition hosts a Winning Campaigns Training by the Thunderhead Alliance For Bicycling and Walking.

This addition to NAHBS activities reflects a commitment by the show to promote and develop cycling opportunities for everybody, focusing not only on the high-end handmade sector.

Show founder and director Don Walker says this training workshop reflects a commitment by the show to promote cycling opportunities for everybody, instead of focusing only on the high-end handmade sector. "The NAHBS has always been about growing the market," says Walker. "We know that creating safer, more efficient cycling routes has proved every time to encourage more cyclists, so I am delighted that we are able to partner with the Thunderhead Alliance and Indiana Bicycle Coalition to provide what we believe will be a very significant weekend for cycling in the Midwest."

Jeff Miller, president of the Thunderhead Alliance for Biking and Walking, said, “The Winning Campaigns Training will help equip local and statewide bike advocates with the skills and tools to help make Indiana a better place to bicycle. We look forward to working with the Indiana Bicycle Coalition and are very excited about this unique and fun venue with the North American Handmade Bicycle Show to work with many bicycle advocates and community leaders.”

Nancy Tibbett of the Indiana Bicycle Coalition said, "The workshop offers a great opportunity for both bicycle and pedestrian advocates to gain momentum, excitement, and training on programs and plans for 2009. The Indiana Bicycle Coalition is excited to partner with both the North American Handmade Bicycle Show and Thunderhead Alliance to bring this world-class training event to Indianapolis."

The times and dates of the three-day training are:

* Friday 27th February, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
* Saturday 28th, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
* Sunday 1st March, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Thanks to sponsorship by Bikes Belong and Cannondale Sports Group, admission to the training is only $50.00. On Friday evening, all participants in the Thunderhead Alliance training are invited to a social function with the frame builders at 7 p.m. The training's schedule is designed to permit out-of-workshop activities, and participants are encouraged to take advantage of a complimentary entry offer to the NAHBS show hall.


The Winning Campaigns Training uses a curriculum designed, tested and proven through the years by the Thunderhead Alliance. Advocates attending will be taught by expert coaches and by each other about choosing, directing and winning campaigns to promote complete streets, where walking and bicycling are both safe and commonplace.

According to Thunderhead Alliance, the three day workshop will empower attendees with greater knowledge on how to choose the right issue, set realistic goals and strategies, work with community leaders, use public relations techniques, raise money to finance their efforts, and reach and measure the success of the campaign.


Online registration is now open at Thunderhead Alliance website.