Ride Illinois 2023 Strategic Plan
Adopted by Board of Directors on 4/29/23
INTRODUCTION
Incorporated in 1992, Ride Illinois is a well-respected, expert advocate for people who ride bikes in Illinois Making Illinois better through biking is more than a tagline; it is the mission to improve safety, so biking remains a healthy lifestyle, a practical transportation option, as well as a boost to tourism and a healthy environment. The board is determined to build on 30 years of accomplishment for bicycling and become the go-to organization for action
This planning report and supporting documents can be used to help board members, staff and key volunteers better understand how the organization can achieve its long term mission and vision
MISSION STATEMENT
Ride Illinois’ mission is to make Illinois better through biking
The mission requires several core, on-going activities, including:
● Advocate for bicyclist safety and improved infrastructure
● Build stronger, healthier communities through biking
● Promote biking for a cleaner environment
● Educate bicyclists and motorists on relevant laws
Our mission statement is short and memorable for everyone: board, staff, volunteers, partner agencies, and the public. Although aspects of the business may change over time, the mission is intended to remain strong with stable wording. The bullet points serve to identify the immediate and eventual functional activities.
VISION STATEMENT
Dreaming of the future was our next task We set our sights 15 years in the future, 2038 At that time, we hope to describe our accomplishments as follows:
Ride Illinois strives to be:
● The organization that is leading bicycle advocacy, education and awareness efforts in Illinois
● The organization that is leading efforts to greatly reduce, and ultimately eliminate, bicyclist fatalities in Illinois
● The organization that is helping Illinois become a top-5 Bicycle Friendly State
● The organization whose efforts are making a bicycle an everyday option for personal mobility
The Vision is long-term Fulfilling the Vision will take more time than the next five or six years The job needing to be done is larger than current capacities and funding. We will need to support the Vision, so it intrinsically supports our Mission Vision grows out of Mission and magnifies it
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Ride Illinois 2023 Strategic Plan
Adopted by Board of Directors on 4/29/23
KEY ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS
Goal #1: Greatly reduce, and ultimately eliminate, bicyclist fatalities in Illinois
Strategies to Accomplish Goal
Influence and Prioritize IDOT Policy, State Legislation and Federal Legislation
● Strategy 1: Form Advocacy Committee
● Strategy 2: Develop Strategy for Advocacy and Outreach
● Strategy 3: Identify Existing Data Sources and/or Collect Relevant Data
Renewed Focus on Awareness, Outreach and Engagement (Make safety our #1 message)
● Strategy 1: Network with RATs, Local Organizations, and Local Advocates
● Strategy 2: Develop Media Engagement and Communication Strategy
● Strategy 3: Strengthen and Diversify Connections at Local Level & Attend Mission-Focused Events
● Strategy 4: Develop ‘Bicycle-Friendly Community Pop-Up’ program
● Strategy 5: Refine Regional Action Team (RAT) Volunteer program
Educate the Public
● Strategy 1: Form an Education Committee
● Strategy 2: Develop Safe Biking (and Walking) Curriculum for K-12 Schools in Illinois
● Strategy 3: Recruit, Train, and Support LCIs
● Strategy 4: Enhance Ride Illinois Safely program, including BSQ
Make Key Capital Investments
● Strategy 1: Invest in the Organization and our Tools
Staffing and Personnel
● Strategy 1: Identify Staffing Needs
● Strategy 2: Develop Internship Program
Goal #2: Increase revenue in order to increase impact
Increase Revenue and Engagement
● Strategy 1: Increase Revenue from Individuals
● Strategy 2: Increase Revenue from Corporate Members
● Strategy 3: Develop Marketing and Public Relations Strategy
● Strategy 4: Develop Plan for Future Events and Fundraisers
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Ride Illinois 2023 Strategic Plan
Adopted by Board of Directors on 4/29/23
CONCLUSION
The cycle for significant updates to the Ride Illinois strategic plan is five years. However, the strategic plan and the identified strategies will be discussed at all board meetings and committee meetings in an effort to keep it top of mind and relevant to board members, committees, and staff
Strategic planning is cyclical in nature and is constantly evolving. New issues will arise and strategies will change over time. A disciplined, strategic approach will increase the likelihood of accomplishing the goals in this strategic plan We intend to prioritize strategies and track progress in order to remain focused on these long-term goals.
However, not all can be worked on simultaneously. Priority order is a must while some tools and management functions are grown in place to serve other issues later Patience is needed on the part of each board member, committee member, staff, and the public.
Goal #1 is programmatic focus on bicyclist safety measured in reduction of roadway deaths. This will need funding, staffing and message control Marketing, fundraising and human resource management areas are all called upon.
Goal #2 is raising more funds. The funds will provide expansion of other management functions as well. This will expand our reach to membership, regional visibility, state and federal agencies and policy centers Programming will benefit as will our effectiveness.
Questions and comments about this strategic plan can be sent to dave@rideillinois.org.
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