Who pays for Bike the Bend?

Many organized bicycle rides are established to raise funds for a specific cause or organization. That is not the case with Bike the Bend. We are not raising funds for any organization and the cause is YOU.  Bike the Bend is a celebration of family, friends and community where you can ride  side by side with each other, on 30+ miles of vehicle restricted streets and trails, enjoying each other and the community.  Bike the Bend 2011 had 1,926 riders, including 1,437 individuals riding with family.  We expect over 2,700 riders for Bike the Bend 2012.   Click here to join our e-mail list to receive updates on Bike the Bend 2012.

 

Given the scope of Bike the Bend, many think the event is put on and paid for by local government.  That is not the case.  Bike the Bend is led by a 100% volunteer Steering Committee, which works side by side with several local government departments in planning Bike the Bend. Since Bike the Bend takes place on many public streets, safety and awareness is our first priority.  To assure rider safety, Bike the Bend contracts with the Cities of South Bend and Mishawaka and St. Joseph County to provide public safety officers at busy intersections to direct motor vehicle traffic while our riders are crossing and to provide signage along the route for the benefit of riders and non-riders alike.  These paid professionals work side by side with our volunteers to make Bike the Bend a positive experience for all.  We receive no funding from local government.  Bike the Bend is financial dependent on rider registration fees, merchandise sales, and support from individuals and community businesses and organizations.  

 

Rider registration fees are purposely kept affordable so as many people as possible can experience Bike the Bend.  In addition to being able to ride on vehicle restricted streets, the registration fee includes a custom- designed moisture wicking t-shirt, souvenir map and wristband as well as access to all rest stops along the route and the after festival.  Children, 17 and under, ride free when riding with an adult.  Scholarship and volunteer opportunities are available to those who cannot afford the registration fee.  Only 30% of the expenses of Bike the Bend 2011 were covered by registration fees and merchandise sales.  The remaining expenses were covered through sponsorships and grants from community leaders, businesses and organizations who see what Bike the Bend brings to the community.

 

As the number of riders increase, Bike the Bend will become a self sustaining event through rider registrations and merchandise sales.  Ultimately, we hope to invest in our community through financial support for improvements to bicycle trails and routes, bicycle safety and community education programs and increased awareness of the many benefits bicycling offers to individuals and the community.