There’s no other way to say it: 2010 has been a big year for bicycling in Massachusetts. With more bicyclists on our streets and paths, more focus from politicians and government officials, and more awareness from motorists, bicycling is on the cusp of reaching a new level.

But even with this progress, huge challenges remain to protecting bicyclists and to making sure that we continue to make gains. MassBike is the leading voice for bicyclists in Massachusetts, but we need you to help to make sure that bicycling is a priority during this critical time.

For over 30 years, MassBike has been the respected advocate for bicyclists in our state. We are leading efforts to make sure that the unprecedented support for bicycling continues during the winter months and into 2011.

With the help of our members and supporters, we have been making a difference! Here are just a few of our recent accomplishments:

• • Worked with the MBTA and other advocates to revamp their bus driver training, leading to a full-day training and evaluation for all bus drivers who have had incidents with bicyclists, part of which all drivers will have to take within the next 18 months.

• • Advocated for and won bicycling infrastructure on precedent-setting projects across the state as part of our Building For Bicycling campaign.

• • Launched our safety campaign, Same Road, Same Rules, in partnership with MassDOT and other state agencies, designed to educate both motorists and bicyclists about the rules of the road, bicyclists’ rights, and how to safely interact.

• • Led the campaign for the passage of the Bicyclist Safety Act, which made 13 important changes to law, making Massachusetts a safer place to bicycle.

But even with these important victories for bicyclists, large challenges remain to ensuring the safety of bicyclists on our roads.

Looking forward to 2011, we are planning an ambitious campaign for improving bicycling, including revamping police training to include better information about bicyclists and their rights, continued work in East Boston to remove peak hour restrictions from the Blue Line as a pilot program for the rest of the T and to help community members advocate for bicycling, continuing work to make infrastructure a priority, and movement on a new legislative agenda.

We can make Massachusetts a better place for bicycling, but we can’t do it without you. Please follow the link to donate to our Winter Appeal. Or if you aren't a member yet, please join MassBike and add your voice!