You got it… we are pissed. Your post refers to many of the comments made by Chicago Bicycle Federation (CBF) members that were caught unaware of this change until they got a postcard in the mail. I did not attend the meeting because I pretty much knew what the announcement would be. if you look at new staff hirings and their past experience it reads like an urban planning doctoral studies class roster. Ask friends what I was predicting a week about the meeting and you might well rename me Nostradamus.

CBF should have been up front with its’ member base– it’s about the money. It’s about getting bigger grants that are tied to a public that doesn’t cycle. CBF is/was primarily funded by member dues. The thing is, many people pay their yearly dues in April or May in advance of Bike the Drive, a huge yearly cycling event. So, a completely changed mission statement happens this November leaving six months to convince a member base previously passionate about cycling to turn over money (in this economy) to a board who have behaved rather badly and want to support walkers and transit riders… uh, that goes down, like my Commonwealth cousins say, like a cup of cold sick.

I completely agree with your offered solution–huge apologies from the board, a work-stop order on anything ATA, an emergency session of the board AND I’ll go you a step further, a meeting with the members as well. This was sold wrong and badly.

To their credit the CBF has been more than admirable in supporting cyclists’ rights and fighting for cycling legislation in Chicago and Illinois. They have been rockstars, which is why this hurts so bad. My less than positive comments sent to the new site contact form were handled immediately by the Marketing director who appears to be open to discussion on this matter.

Thanks for the great summary and review of this situation.

Karen Shields