Who We Are

The Thunderhead Alliance is the national coalition of state and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations working in unison to break down the barriers to safe bicycling and walking in North American communities. We bring leaders of our member organizations together to help each other grow their organizations and become more effective. Learn More

As of July 2006 we have 128 member organizations in 49 states and one Canadian province. Member organizations' cumulative budgets top $15 million. They employ more than 194 full-time staff and boast a combined membership of more than 97,000. Some are only months old with a few dedicated leaders. Others have grown their organizations over many years into respected forces with dedicated staff and thousands of members. All are making an impact in their communities. All are learning from each other.

Please see our list of members.

Please also see our 2006 Annual Report (large 2.4 MB file).


Mission/Vision/Values/Goals

Mission:
The mission of the Thunderhead Alliance is to create, strengthen and unite state and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations.

Mission-Vision Link:
The Thunderhead Alliance improves communities through unified state and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations.

Vision:
The Thunderhead Alliance envisions that every state, province and the 50 top population U.S. metropolitan areas have effective and sustainable bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations. These organizations are highly respected by the public, media and policy makers. Their efforts in their communities and their united strength at the national level has shifted the transportation policy debate from simply accommodating bicycling and walking to creating greater mode shift. All types of communities benefit from the fun and efficiency of bicycling - 15% of all trips made by bicycle - and walking for all reasons, from personal health to environmental sensibility to economic necessity to religious responsibility.

Thunderhead Values:
• the power of the bicycle to transform individuals and communities.
• the role of bicycling and walking in efficient transportation.
• the importance of social change at the state and local level.
• our cost effectiveness and resilience.
• our professionalism and our careers as the leaders of state and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations.
• the uniqueness of our diverse communities and the collective brilliance of our membership.
• the role of song: “there is no movement without music.”
• connecting, playing together and reinvigorating ourselves through gatherings.
• our history and heart embedded in our name.

Goals:
1. Provide expert advice, professional consultation and resources to take our member organizations to their next level of effectiveness.
2. Build the momentum of our 50/50 Project to establish effective bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations in all states, provinces and at least the 50 top population U.S. metropolitan areas.
3. Articulate and act on Thunderhead’s role in the national bicycle and pedestrian advocacy movement in concert with current and new partners.

Adopted: October 15, 2003
Updated: October 20, 2004