2015 2019 Strategic Plan with operational detail Mission: Making Maine better for bicycling and walking. Vision: Maine is a place where bicycling and walking are safe, supported, widespread activities enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages. Maine is renowned for bicycling and walking! Values and Beliefs: 1. Bicycling and walking are fun lifelong activities that should be accessible to everyone. 2. The Coalition seeks and values the views of all people who bicycle and walk in Maine. 3. Maine s communities, health, economy and environmental sustainability are improved by bicycling and walking. 4. Bicycling and walking are essential modes of transportation. 5. Roadways and trails can be safe for all users with appropriate design, timely maintenance, effective policy and equitable law enforcement. 6. Bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists deserve mutual respect. 7. Bicycling and walking merit cultural, financial and political support. 8. All Mainers and our visitors need to be educated about the laws that govern bicycling, walking and driving. 9. Maine s beautiful geography presents extraordinary opportunities for bicycling and walking, both on and off road, that should be celebrated, preserved and expanded. Goals: A. Infrastructure: Increase safe, accessible and inviting bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure throughout Maine. B. Advocacy: Provide leadership and inspire activism for effective policies, programs and projects that have a positive impact on bicycling and walking in Maine. C. Education: Ensure that Maine bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists have the knowledge and skills to safely share the road. D. Encouragement: Encourage new bicyclists and seasoned enthusiasts through a range of traditional and innovative rides and events. E. Enforcement: Strengthen enforcement of bicycle and pedestrian law through expanded education and training with Maine law enforcement officers, attorneys and prosecutors. F. Reputation: Elevate Maine s reputation as a bicycle and pedestrian friendly state and an extraordinary bicycling and walking tourism destination. G. Leadership: Advance the Coalition s role and growth as the leading organization making Maine better for bicycling and walking.
Bicycle Coalition of Maine 2015-2019 Strategic Plan with Operational Detail 2 Goals and Actions: A. Infrastructure: Increase safe, accessible and inviting bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure throughout Maine. 1. Support MaineDOT s implementation of its Complete Streets Policy to ensure roadways are safe for all users and balances the needs of different transportation modes. a. Provide an in the field bicycling, walking and infrastructure training experience for MaineDOT staff in at least two locations annually. b. Assist with ongoing MaineDOT efforts to integrate Complete Streets through its planning, design and maintenance processes and call attention to any instances in which effective implementation is lacking. c. Encourage MaineDOT s adoption of progressive bike/ped guidelines (e.g. the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide) that provide communities with state-of-the-practice solutions that can help create complete streets that are safe and enjoyable for bicyclists and pedestrians. d. Review MaineDOT digital resources on types of infrastructure conditions and usage by mode and explore integration with other data sources and making information available via the Coalition website. 2. Work with MaineDOT to address bicycle and pedestrian (bike/ped) infrastructure within existing cycles of road maintenance and reconstruction and as part of Light Capital Paving (LCP) projects. a. For efficiency and cost effectiveness, encourage MaineDOT to integrate standalone projects into MaineDOT 3- year projects. b. Advocate for low-cost improvements such as re-striping, shared lane markings, signage and traffic calming. 3. Encourage and increase collection of bike/ped safety and usage performance data by MaineDOT and Maine Bureau of Highway Safety and integrate that data into the process of designing infrastructure and setting speed limits. 4. Establish priority bicycle routes for continuous maintenance and expand on the U.S. Bicycle Route 1 model to establish a Maine State Bicycle Route system with appropriate markings and signage. 5. Lead and support efforts by state agencies, municipalities and private groups, such as land trusts and New England Mountain Biking Association (NEMBA), to develop off-road single-track and other types of trails. 6. Broaden support for funding necessary to complete multi-use trails including, but not limited to: a. Eastern Trail: Pleasant Hill to Nonesuch River (Scarborough). b. Androscoggin River: Brunswick to Bath. c. Merrymeeting Rail Trail: Topsham to Gardiner. d. Mountain Division Line: Westbrook to Sebago. e. East Coast Greenway f. Down East Sunrise Trail g. Kennebec River Rail Trail h. Kennebec Messalonskee Trails 7. Advance Complete Streets thinking by Maine municipalities, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and BikeMaine host communities to ensure that bicycling and walking are always addressed in local transportation infrastructure projects, including roadways, paths and sidewalks. a. Mobilize communities with projects listed in Maine's 3-year work plan to advocate for bike/ped-friendly projects every time. b. Offer assistance on the range of permissible and possible infrastructure projects and effective design. c. Work with MaineDOT to maximize funding available for local projects and improve the application process for municipalities. d. Promote infrastructure projects identified by BikeMaine host communities.
Bicycle Coalition of Maine 2015-2019 Strategic Plan with Operational Detail 3 8. Encourage the creation of temporary demonstration infrastructure as a method for experimenting with and teaching about new bike/ped practices. a. Help to pilot at least one example of protected bike infrastructure in Maine on a heavily travelled route such as Commercial Street in Portland. b. Utilize BikeMaine routes to demonstrate wayfinding and temporary infrastructure practices in host communities. B. Advocacy: Provide leadership and inspire activism for effective policies, programs and projects that have a positive impact on bicycling and walking in Maine. 1. Empower Mainers to become champions of better bicycling and walking through education, training and ongoing support. a. Grow from 80 to at least 160 individuals who are Community Spokes active members of the Coalition s statewide network of bicycle and pedestrian advocates who act locally and support statewide and federal advocacy. b. Continue biannual Community Spokes trainings, regular webinars, one-to-one support, and quarterly regional meetings on policies, programs, projects and advocacy skills. c. Develop an encore career recruitment initiative targeted to retirees. d. Utilize BikeMaine s Host Community Planning Committees to reach out to new Community Spokes and other local advocates, helping to align and leverage the BikeMaine s highly publicized activities with the Coalition objectives related to safer and more accessible biking and walking. e. Annually evaluate the effectiveness of Community Spokes and the Coalition s advocacy support; implement changes and improvements as determined. 2. Engage Community Spokes and Coalition members and partners statewide in online advocacy and make regular updates to the Coalition s online Community Advocacy Toolkit. 3. Identify policies that provide sources of sufficient and reliable ongoing funding for bike/ped infrastructure projects in Maine and advocate for their adoption. a. Explore the potential for a State Bond Issue to support infrastructure improvements. 4. Be the leading voice across multiple media platforms for programs, policies and projects that have a positive impact on bicycling and walking in Maine. 5. Serve as a resource to bike/ped committees and other volunteer teams working in cities and towns all over Maine to improve bicycling and walking conditions. 6. Pursue bicycling and walking advocacy opportunities with: a. Regional Councils of Governments (COGs); Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs); Regional Planning Organizations (RPOs); and Portland Area Comprehensive Planning System (PACTS). b. Municipal public works departments, planning and economic development staff. c. Amtrak, ferry services, bus companies and other transit providers. 7. Strengthen the Coalition s profile and presence at the State House and Blaine House as Maine s leading bicycling and walking advocacy organization. a. Encourage introduction of bills and funding proposals in the Maine legislature and monitor and testify on other proposed legislation that has an impact on bicycling and walking. In 2015, focus on passing the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety and Responsibility Act. In future sessions focus on passing State Complete Streets legislation, strengthening Distracted Driver laws, addressing a graduated passing-distance law, and increasing penalties for vulnerable user violations. Assess opportunities to support legislation related to environmental sustainability.
Bicycle Coalition of Maine 2015-2019 Strategic Plan with Operational Detail 4 b. Build and leverage strong mutual support with Coalition partners including American Association of Retired Persons (AARP); American Automobile Association (AAA); American Lung Association; Bike Shops; Dempsey Center; GrowSmart Maine; Main Street Maine; Maine Chambers of Commerce; Maine Municipal Association (MMA); Maine Public Health Association (MPHA); Maine Network of Healthy Communities (MNHC); Maine Real Estate and Development Association (MEREDA); Natural Resources Council of Maine; NEMBA; and others. c. Organize a bike/ped caucus for each legislative session, provide information to the Governor s office and to individual legislators and staff, and sponsor legislative and executive branch bicycle rides, walks and other awareness and education events. d. Host one statewide bike/ped day at the capitol during each legislative session. 8. Build understanding and support among Maine s delegation for federal legislation, policies and funding that are advantageous to bicycling and walking in Maine. a. Ensure Maine s Congressional delegation is knowledgeable and encouraged to take positions favorable to bicycling and walking. b. Increase the size, diversity and visibility of Maine s delegation to the annual National Bike Summit in Washington, DC. c. Include federal "action items in our communications 9. Educate candidates for elective office at all levels about bike/ped issues and provide non-partisan information to the public on candidates positions on these issues. 10. Complete, publicize and update the results of studies on the positive contribution of bicycling to Maine s economy. C. Education: Ensure that Maine bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists have the knowledge and skills to safely share the road. 1. Implement ongoing multi-media campaigns to educate bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists about: a. Bicyclist and pedestrian safety rules of the road (see inset right), as well as Bike Brightly and updated share the road messaging. b. Effective infrastructure that balances the needs of different transportation modes, and how to use it to bicycle and walk safely. c. The 3-Foot Law which requires motorists to give at least 3 feet when passing cyclists and pedestrians. 2. Increase media recognition of the Coalition as the expert source in Maine for information on bicycling and walking, and provide responses to issues, incidents and events that affect bicyclists and pedestrians. 3. Deliver the Maine Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Education (BPSE) Program that teaches Mainers the basics of safe walking and bicycling at schools, worksites, community events and with civic organizations. a. Strengthen outreach, training and coordination of bike/ped safety Rules of the road for bicyclists: wear a helmet, be visible day or night, ABC Quick check your bike, ride on the right with traffic, stop at all stop signs and red lights, use signals, be predictable. Rules of the road for pedestrians: be aware, be visible day or night, use sidewalk or walk on the left against traffic, cross at a crosswalk whenever possible, obey traffic signals. 3-Foot Law: motorists are required to allow at least 3 feet of clearance when passing bicyclists instructors to meet statewide demand for adult and school-based instruction, including national League Cycling Instructor (LCI) certifications. b. Engage local advocates and community organizations to sponsor and promote approximately 20 Bike Safety Skill Rodeos annually, providing helmet and bike condition checks, and allowing children to ride on a practice course. c. Provide on-bike experiential education programs. d. Partner with Maine DOT to distribute approximately 2000 free helmets throughout the state each year.
Bicycle Coalition of Maine 2015-2019 Strategic Plan with Operational Detail 5 4. Provide outreach and education for safer bicycling and walking to school for 15,000 Maine students each year and increase the number of children and youth who choose to bicycle and walk a. Double from 50 to 100 the number of Maine K-8 schools that regularly access posters, safety materials, distance learning tools, and in-school instruction. b. Develop a new BPSE module with more advanced content and explore a train-the-trainer model for schoolteachers for the BPSE program. c. Work with the Maine Department of Education (DOE) and other partners to make BPSE a part of standard curricula aligned with Maine Learning Results. d. Implement an evaluation framework for the Coalition s Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Education programs and report annual accomplishments. e. Explore the potential to provide BPSE programs to high schools. f. Consider creating a statewide Bronze-Silver-Gold bike/ped grading system to help track and celebrate schools progress. 5. Provide Safe Routes to School (SRTS) services to at least 15 schools each year, promoting policies, plans and infrastructure that support students walking and bicycling, resulting in one or more of the following outcomes: a. Focus efforts in areas of the state with highest population density. (i.e. Greater Portland, Lewiston-Auburn, and Bangor-Orono), b. SRTS community mini-grants awarded to build stronger local programs. c. Development of school travel plans or school travel planning as part of other community plans. d. Development of school and/or community policies supporting walking and bicycling. e. Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure assessment and/or increased applications for funding for physical infrastructure and safety improvements. 6. Implement the Walking School Bus (WSB) program in 8 schools, including a funded quarter-time in-school coordinator awarded through a competitive process. 7. Build e-newsletter and website resources to support local communities work and connect local champions with SRTS, BPSE, WSB and Community Spokes initiatives, local and national funding and/or technical assistance opportunities. 8. Partner with the Maine Driver s Education Association (MEDEA) to integrate bike/ped information and questions in Maine Driver s Education curriculum and the Department of Motor Vehicles driver s license test. 9. Organize one or more statewide Bike/Walk Summits with potential focus areas including: education and awareness, municipal planning, on-road and off-road infrastructure, advocacy, events, tourism and other bicycling and walkingrelated economic development. a. Evaluate effectiveness and determine scope and frequency of future statewide conferences. D. Encouragement: Encourage new bicyclists and seasoned enthusiasts through a range of traditional and innovative rides and events. New/less experienced cyclists 1. Operate annual Great Maine Bike Swaps as large-scale events that make bicycles more affordable, build community support for bicycling and provide opportunities for vendor sales.. a. Ensure swap venues are sufficiently large and conducive to an excellent experience for participants. b. Explore the potential to partner with a software developer to create a marketable Swap Toolkit.
Bicycle Coalition of Maine 2015-2019 Strategic Plan with Operational Detail 6 2. Expand the Bikes for New Mainers program including bicycling as daily transportation in an urban environment and providing program graduates with a new bicycle. a. Complete the Portland pilot program, make improvements as called for, and expand the program to Lewiston- Auburn or other metro areas. b. Explore documenting the program and promoting replication by local partner organizations elsewhere in Maine. 3. Collaborate on a bike share system in Portland and other Maine cities. 4. Partner with Portland Gear Hub to pilot a monthly Portland Biking Belles series dedicated to women, transgender, and femme (WTF) bicycle programming. The program will serve diverse ages, experience and ability levels to increase interest and comfort with bicycling. a. Based on results of the pilot, determine whether to continue, expand or replicate the program in the Portland area or elsewhere in Maine. 5. Solicit information and promote bicycling classes, workshops and programs offered by other organizations and individuals, such as Traffic Skills 101, Cycling Savvy and others. 6. Create a Community Event Toolkit and promote an array of do-it-yourself small-scale rides and events with an emphasis on engaging new audiences. a. Rides and events to consider include Bike to Work Day, Parking Day, Slow Rides, City Councilor Rides, Alley Cat, Cranksgiving, and others. 7. Identify partners and introduce new-to-maine local event concepts, such as Kidical Mass, Cyclovia, snow bike races or others. Enthusiasts 1. Operate BikeMaine, a fully supported annual seven-day cycling tour attracting 350 or more cyclists from across the United States and around the world. a. Create a unique course each year, offering a Maine vacation on two wheels which shares the people, places, culture and local foods of Maine while providing an economic boost to the approximately six host communities along the route. b. Recruit Host Community Planning Committees enlisting local officials, business owners and others to optimize the profile and positive impact of BikeMaine on their town, including the formation of a sustainable bike/ped committee to pursue the completion of bike or pedestrian-related projects. c. Implement research-based marketing plans to achieve a financially sustainable model through sponsorships, rider registrations, rider services, equipment rental and merchandise sales. d. Further integrate BikeMaine marketing and sponsorship plans with overall Coalition event and organizational goals. e. Maximize benefit of annual Kick-Off event f. Collaborate with strategic partners whose missions support, reinforce and enhance the Coalition s work. 2. Operate the Maine Lobster Ride & Roll engaging 1,000 or more participants each year with five distance options, from a family-friendly 15 miles to an acclaimed 100-mile century ride. a. Implement elements and improvements that promote the Coalition s mission and goals and maximize results as a Coalition fundraiser. b. Leverage the Lobster Ride to increase partnerships with area employers. c. Capitalize on the Lobster Ride 15 th anniversary in 2016. 3. Operate the Women s Ride, engaging 600 or more participants each year in a celebration of women and bicycling which offers four distance options in a friendly, supportive atmosphere geared toward girls and women of all ages and abilities. a. Build on the base of experienced participants and attract new and younger riders. b. Increase ride scholarships through community bike centers and other partner organizations.
Bicycle Coalition of Maine 2015-2019 Strategic Plan with Operational Detail 7 4. Partner with mountain biking groups to advance both organizations common interest to support mountain biking in Maine. 5. Develop mutually supportive relationships with Maine s local bike clubs. a. Ensure that each Coalition board and staff members participate in at least one club ride each year. 6. Establish criteria and a fee structure for providing technical assistance or on-site support for other organizations or groups who are conducting rides or events. a. Refine the Coalition s goals and continue engagement with Dempsey Challenge, Trek Across Maine, Maine Lighthouse Ride, and other high profile rides or events. b. Develop a growth plan, promotional materials and business model for Valet Bike Parking as a fee-for-service endeavor. Overall 1. Establish criteria, assess opportunities and implement plans for the Coalition s involvement with walking programs and events. 2. Leverage the wide reach of Coalition events to further promote and integrate mission-specific elements that best serve the Coalition s bicycling safety, advocacy, fundraising and membership objectives. 3. Establish a clear methodology for goal-setting and regular evaluation of Coalition rides and major events. a. Determine the most useful evaluative tools based on ride or event goals, taking into account factors such as overall contribution to Coalition mission and strategic goals, brand enhancement, audience reach, unique contribution to the marketplace, fundraising potential, and financial bottom line inclusive of all direct and indirect costs. E. Enforcement: Strengthen enforcement of bicycle and pedestrian law through expanded education and training with Maine law enforcement officers, attorneys and prosecutors. 1. Ensure law enforcement officials receive ongoing updates regarding changes in procedure, statute and case law that impact bicyclists and pedestrians. 2. Enhance online and phone incident reporting, support and followup including: a. Coaching bicyclists and pedestrians regarding their rights and resources available to them. b. Providing contact information for attorneys and expert witnesses. 3. Monitor court cases that have significant policy impact for bicyclists and pedestrians; engage counsel to submit Amicus Briefs as determined. 4. Increase representation of law enforcement on the Coalition s Legislation and Policy Committee and include at least one law enforcement representative on the Coalition s board of directors. 5. Increase formal and informal education for law enforcement officers. a. Develop a continuing education module for police officers within their online training system. b. Work to expand bike/ped training module in the Criminal Justice Academy curriculum. c. Develop a system to provide educational presentations for: Maine Chiefs of Police Association. Maine s 16 County Sheriff s Offices. Municipal Police Departments, focusing on largest population centers. d. Include law enforcement officers in on-bike experiential trainings.
Bicycle Coalition of Maine 2015-2019 Strategic Plan with Operational Detail 8 e. Explore developing a tool using nationally recognized standards to help law enforcement officers self-assess their bike/ped expertise. 6. Increase formal and informal education for prosecutors and attorneys. a. Provide educational presentations on bicycle and pedestrian law for Maine attorneys based on the work of bike/ped friendly attorneys. b. Conduct outreach to the Office of the Maine Attorney General to promote awareness and action on bike-related incidents. c. Conduct outreach to District Attorneys to promote most appropriate handling of bicycle and pedestrian-related incidents. d. Include attorneys and prosecutors in on-bike experiential trainings. 7. Explore publishing an annual State of Bicycling and Pedestrian Law Enforcement in Maine and highlighting strong law enforcement work with specific recognition or awards. F. Reputation: Elevate Maine s reputation as a bicycle and pedestrian friendly state and an extraordinary bicycling and walking tourism destination. 1. Engage key partners (e.g. MaineDOT, MOT, etc.) and develop message points (see inset right) about bicycling and walking in Maine. Bicycling and walking message points may include: 2. Promote use of the message points by key influencers and spokespersons, leading corporations such as L.L.Bean, Chambers of Commerce, and state officials including Maine s Governor, legislators, state agency directors, and others. 3. Increase Maine Office of Tourism s focus on bicycling throughout MOT s materials and media outreach. a. Gain national and international media coverage on bicycling and walking in Maine. b. Provide information and training to ensure staff at all Maine Visitor Centers are knowledgeable about bicycling and walking in Maine. 4. Identify and work with additional organizations that promote multiple experiences for visitors to Maine such as Maine Beaches Association, Maine Huts and Trails, Acadiainfo.com, local chambers of commerce and others. 5. Work with Maine Innkeepers Association, Maine Campground Owners Association and other hospitality groups to promote bike-friendly lodging and camping. Bicycling and walking message points may include: Maine is building safer infrastructure and improving conditions for biking or walking for transportation, recreation and health. Maine is strengthening protection of bicyclist and pedestrian rights. Maine boasts numerous trail networks throughout the state that support all levels of outstanding mountain biking. Maine values bicycle tourism and provides unique, authentic and affordable riding for visiting bicyclists. Maine offers a top destination for bicycle tours featuring iconic rides like BikeMaine, the Maine Lobster Ride, The Maine Women s Ride, Trek Across Maine, Maine Lighthouse Ride, Dempsey Challenge and many others. Bicycling makes an important contribution to Maine s economy. Maine is consistently ranked one of the top 15 states in the League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly State program and is aiming for the top 10. 6. Make it easier for Mainers and visitors to find Maine s great places to ride and walk, including recreational and pointto-point travel. a. Work with MOT and MaineDOT to secure necessary resources and develop the 3 rd edition of Explore Maine by Bike, including a new and improved, comprehensive, fully searchable where to ride resource with responsive design. b. Compile and publish information about previous BikeMaine routes and additional loop rides recommended by BikeMaine host communities.
Bicycle Coalition of Maine 2015-2019 Strategic Plan with Operational Detail 9 c. Optimize the Coalition s Where to Ride web page and update it annually. Solicit popular documented routes and hidden treasures from bike clubs, NEMBA chapters, local trails groups, bike event organizers and others to increase the number and variety of featured rides. Identify the most effective online tool that allows bicyclists to map-your-own customized bicycle tour and make the tool available on the Coalition s website. d. Celebrate and promote Maine s multi-use trails. e. Determine how best to expand resources to include walking. 7. Continue to partner with local bike shops to promote bicycling in Maine and to highlight statewide availability of quality bicycles for sale or rental, accessories and repair services statewide. 8. Pursue maximum mutual benefit between the Coalition and: a. Organizations/services promoting bicycling & walking trails or routes in Maine such as Maine Trail Finder, Every Trail, Strava, Map My Ride and others. b. Companies that offer multi-day bicycle tours in Maine such as VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, Backroads, Adventure Cycling, Summer Feet Cycling and others. c. Bicycle manufacturers 9. Highlight Mainers who have helped make Maine better for biking and walking by giving highly publicized annual awards. 10. Pursue maximum benefit for bicycling and walking in Maine through affiliations with national organizations, such as League of American Bicyclists, Alliance for Biking and Walking, East Coast Greenway, Adventure Cycling, International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), Rails to Trails and others. G. Leadership: Advance the Coalition s role and growth as the leading organization making Maine better for bicycling and walking. Data Collection & Analysis 1. Continuously collect and use data to continually assess, report and improve progress toward achieving the Coalition s goals. a. Determine a limited set of key metrics that the Coalition can use to evaluate Maine s progress toward better bicycling and walking, using data points from the League of American Bicyclists Attributes of a Bike-Friendly State, Alliance for Biking and Walking Benchmark Report, and useful elements from other states and countries. b. Refine evaluation of the effectiveness of Community Spokes and the Coalition s advocacy support. c. Implement an evaluation framework for the Coalition s Bicycle Safety Education programs. d. Establish a clear methodology for goal-setting and regular evaluation of Coalition rides and major events. e. Identify and implement additional evaluations as determined. Membership and Fund Development 1. Increase Coalition membership by 20%. a. Conduct an in-depth assessment of the membership program including levels and types, household versus individual, benefits, acquisition marketing, member engagement and retention. b. Improve the membership program as determined, implement annual membership marketing plans, evaluate results and implement further improvements on an ongoing basis. Integrate membership marketing into all Coalition materials, media, programs, rides and events. Consider targeted campaigns focused on audiences such as millennials, bike club members, bicycle and walking-oriented businesses, chambers of commerce and others.
Bicycle Coalition of Maine 2015-2019 Strategic Plan with Operational Detail 10 2. Expand fundraising efforts in annual fund, major gifts, grants and sponsorships. (See attached financial projections) a. Assess annual fund and summer appeal and implement improvements as determined. b. Establish Yellow Jersey Club levels above $1000 and enhance Yellow Jersey appreciation events. c. Develop and implement a systematic approach to cultivating major gifts and sponsorships with strong participation by board members, the executive director and other staff. d. Create a suite of integrated Coalition/BikeMaine sponsorship opportunities ranging from overarching organizational sponsorship to specific opportunities for individual programs, rides and events. e. Expand grant-seeking capability to address a full range of possible sources across all programmatic and operational areas. 3. Conduct various fundraising partnerships, programs and events. a. Develop an online Coalition fundraising event kit to support board members, Community Spokes and others in implementing small-scale local events. Marketing 1. Develop and implement an annual communications plan and schedule, including all programmatic areas, that balances priorities and addresses all types of routine and one-time communications. 2. Address the inclusion of walking in the Coalition s branding. 3. Produce an annual event calendar, semi-annual Maine Cyclist newsletter, bi-weekly email newsletters, and an annual report. a. Continue to increase the number of subscribers as well as those who take direct action as a result of the email communication. 4. Ensure capacity for excellent media relations statewide, nationally and internationally. 5. Conduct a full-scale refresh of the Coalition website, including improved content strategy and responsive design. 6. Develop organizational social media policy and conduct board and staff training to maximize social media reach and results. 7. Produce updated Bike/ped Safety Education Videos and Resources for distribution through Coalition channels as well as on TV and online. 8. Refine merchandise inventory selections, marketing and operations to achieve maximum brand awareness and bottom line results. a. Implement changes or additions to merchandise to reflect walking as part of the Coalition s mission. Governance and Management 1. Demonstrate excellence in governance. a. Update desired board composition based on the strategic plan and continue to systematically identify and recruit outstanding board candidates. b. Revisit board member expectations, orientation and staff roles to ensure each individual board member is engaged, well prepared and supported in carrying out their responsibilities. c. Implement customized board member expectations, including addressing participation in committees, advocacy, rides and events, their personal gift, and role in fundraising and as an organizational ambassador. d. Implement bi-annual full-board self-assessments, an exit interview process with departing board members and initiatives to strengthen board performance. e. Update the charge for each committee and clarify the roles of committee members and staff. f. Establish an Audit Committee and prepare for future reviews and audits. g. Review and update the executive director performance review process. h. Formalize board leadership succession and ensure readiness for planned executive director succession.
Bicycle Coalition of Maine 2015-2019 Strategic Plan with Operational Detail 11 i. Conduct an annual board and staff retreat including appraisal of progress and update to the strategic plan. 2. Demonstrate excellence in overall non-profit management: human resources, finance, risk assessment and mitigation and annual operating plans based on the strategic plan. a. Review and update staff personnel policies and job descriptions Enhance the staff performance review process including individual professional development plans. Formalize determination of salary bands and criteria for raises, incentives and bonuses Formalize criteria for promotions b. Conduct comprehensive benefits review and make periodic adjustments as necessary. c. Conduct a comprehensive organization-wide risk assessment and update risk management plans including policies and practices, insurance, and staff, board and volunteer training. d. Create annual operating plans based on the strategic plan. e. Phase in additional staff capacity as determined, beginning with a new finance position. f. Increase capacity for financial planning and reporting by individual programs and events, including a framework assigning direct and indirect costs; become audit-ready. g. Improve environmental sustainability practices across all organizational activities. h. Develop an emergency staff leadership succession plan.