Discover how Ashly Fletcher, an award-winning civic leader, has united community leaders, donors, and church partners to drive equitable change through Bike Friendly South Dallas and the WeCycle Resource Center. This course, designed to showcase how bicycles can serve as a powerful tool for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in underserved neighborhoods. Learn how Fletcher’s innovative programs, including pop-up repair shops, learn-to-ride courses, and community bike rides, have transformed South Dallas by fostering health, education, and mobility. Joined by session host Carol D. Barrett, FAICP, the presenters will share practical strategies and lessons from Bike Friendly South Dallas to help you catalyze similar progress in your city, ensuring equitable outcomes through community-driven urban initiatives.

Participants will explore how to leverage partnerships with local organizations, secure funding, and engage communities to create inclusive, bike-friendly environments. Through real-world examples, such as the WeCycle Resource Center’s renovation by the Real Estate Council and collaborations with AARP and Cornerstone Baptist Church, this course provides actionable insights for integrating active transportation into urban planning and policy. Participants will leave equipped with tools to promote cycling as a means of transportation, health, and social connection in historically overlooked neighborhoods.

Learning Objectives

1. Develop Community Partnerships: Identify and cultivate partnerships with local organizations, such as churches, nonprofits, and corporate sponsors, to support equitable bike programs in underserved communities.
2. Design Inclusive Bike Programs: Create community-driven cycling initiatives, including learn-to-ride courses and pop-up repair stations, to promote accessibility and engagement for diverse populations.
3. Integrate Active Transportation into Urban Planning: Apply strategies from Bike Friendly South Dallas to incorporate cycling infrastructure and education into city planning for improved mobility and health outcomes.
4. Secure Funding and Resources: Explore effective grant-writing and fundraising approaches, as demonstrated by partnerships with AARP and the Real Estate Council, to sustain community bike programs.
5. Promote Equity Through Cycling: Implement outreach and engagement tactics, such as word-of-mouth campaigns and social rides, to foster inclusivity and address disparities in access to transportation and recreational opportunities.