The Oklahoma Bicycling Education Fund was created by the Oklahoma Bicycling Coalition as a means to achieve its goals. The OBEF is a way for members to directly support the OBC Mission: Promoting bicycle access, safety, and education throughout Oklahoma.

Why is the OBEF necessary?

The OBC was created as a 501c4 non-profit to allow lobbying. Donations to a 501c4 are not tax deductible. Membership in the OBC is required to purchase and renew the Oklahoma Share The Road license plate, therefore membership dues are not tax deductible as well.

The OBEF was created as a 501c3 non-profit. Donations are fully tax deductible.

How will my donation to the OBEF be used?

100% of donations to the OBEF will be used to support the OBC mission. The OBEF Certificate of Incorporation, Article 4 Purpose, states that the OBEF will:

A: Provide education programs and consulting to the local community, to
create a better community through bicycling.

B: Educate elected officials and agencies about building bicycle-friendly communities.

C: Work with schools on fitness programs and Safe Routes to Schools

D: Teach safe cycling to children and adults; promote bicycle commuting
through individual and corporate programs.

 

What are examples of the types of activities the OBEF will undertake?

1. The OBC has sent letters to all law enforcement agencies and District Attorneys in Oklahoma offering support, training, and consultation on matters regarding the legal operation of bicycles as vehicles on roadways, and reminding our law enforcement community of its responsibility to fairly and equitably enforce traffic laws for all road users.

2. The OBC has led the statewide Oklahoma Safe Routes to School Partnership, helping grade schools receive federal SRTS grants. In a partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and State Department of Education, the OBC has ensured that bicyclists are represented and heard, and that curriculum used meets the standards for bicycling education as set forth by the League of American Bicyclists Smart Cycling programs.

3. The OBC has sponsored four new League Cycling Instructors who bring the total number of LCIs in Oklahoma to 26.

More positive results are reported in OBC meeting minutes located at the OBC website.

How have membership dues been spent in the past?

The OBEF and OBC do not have a paid staff. All board members and committee chairman are volunteers.

To date, organizational expenses such as postage for informational letters sent to stakeholders, educational material sent to members, and LCI scholarships have come from membership dues. The OBC does not receive enough in dues alone to accomplish our goals. Another mechanism that permits tax deductible donations is needed to help achieve the OBC's objectives.

Members are assured their donations are well spent on the things that matter most to them. A recent poll of members indicated education, law enforcement, and improved road cycling conditions are their top priorities. These concerns match the Oklahoma Bicycling Coalition's Mission Statement: Promoting bicycle access, safety, and education throughout Oklahoma.

How can I donate to the OBEF?

Donations can be made securely online. Visit the Oklahoma Bicycling Coalition website and look for the OBEF "Donate" button. Or you can download a donation form and mail your donation to the OBEF.