July 2026

Hi Friend,

This Fourth of July, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I'm reflecting on what Independence Day means for our work at Bike Durham.

Foremost in my mind is this feeling like our democracy is particularly fragile. It matters for all of us, and democratic decision-making is the process we engage to seek the changes to Durham’s streets and transit service. 

Protected by the rights in the US Constitution, we gather together openly to organize and advocate for investments in safe streets and great transit, and to enjoy riding bikes together, walking together, and socializing together.

We speak openly in support of or opposition to positions held by decision-makers at all levels of government. As commonplace as this feels, these rights are not guaranteed in societies around the world, nor have they always been guaranteed for all people here in the United States.

The promise of the United States established 250 years ago - a place where we are all equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness - is at the heart of Bike Durham’s work...even in our small way working on fairer, safer transportation here in Durham.

We believe that equal access to these rights is connected to our transportation system and the way that we design our cities. Each February 1st, we remember the courageous action Rosa Parks took in 1955 when she refused to suffer the indignity, the unfairness, the inequality of having to sit in the back of the bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her arrest sparked a 381-day bus boycott by Black residents, fanning the Civil Rights Movement that led to the passage of legislation, including the Voting Rights Act in 1965 (100 years after the end of the Civil War).

Today, we still live in a Durham designed in a way where those who do not drive do not have the same access to jobs, to parks, to all our community has to offer. And we still live in a Durham designed to be more dangerous for people who are walking and biking.

We also live in a Durham, in a North Carolina, in a United States where we still have the right to organize and fight through our democratic systems for a better future where everyone, Black or white, rich or poor, regardless of gender or ability can freely and safely move around our community in pursuit of their own versions of happiness. 

For that, and for your solidarity, I am grateful.

We're Organizing for an Expanded Vision for Regional Transit and Active Transportation

We know that there is broad support for a fast, frequent, and free transit network that connects the region, for safe, protected bike lanes throughout Durham, and for sidewalks and greenways connecting our neighborhoods. Today, that public support is not fully reflected in funded plans in Durham or the Triangle.

It's time to organize to fight for an expanded vision for regional transit and active transportation.

Move-A-Bull City Open Streets

Sunday, October 4th, 12-4pm | Downtown Durham

Durham's largest open streets event is back. We're closing 1.2 miles of downtown streets to cars and connecting the American Tobacco Trail to the Ellerbee Creek Trail for an afternoon of free community programming. Nine activity zones. Live music. Food. Fitness. Arts. Kids' stuff.

Sign up at moveabull.org to get updates and be first to hear about volunteer and sponsorship opportunities.

July Community Meeting Join us at the Durham Beer Garden to talk Durham streets and transit, and hang as a community. Save the date for Monday, July 27. Bike ride rolls at 6pm, meeting starts at 7pm. [Register Here]

Come see our space at ReCity We've just moved into our first office space at ReCity, our home base. ReCity is more than a co-working space, it's also Durham's social impact hub, and it is expanding. Stop by to visit our space or to tour the co-working space and see if it's a fit for you or your organization. [Learn More]

Pedal & Smile: Youth Learn to Ride Clinic

Saturday, August 8, 6-8pm | Premier Smiles on NC Highway 55

Free clinic for kids ages 5 to 10, in partnership with Premier Smiles and Sleep. First time on a bike or building confidence, this one's for them. Loaner bikes and helmets available.

Spaces are limited, so sign up today! (Last time, we reached the max early!)

We need volunteers for this one! Sign up to help below.

Upcoming Classes

Learn to Ride Build balance and confidence from the ground up. Our next class is Saturday, August 8 & 15, 9am to 12pm. [Register]

Ready to Ride Take your skills to the street. Saturday, July 18 & Sunday, August 9, 9am to 12pm. [Register]

Ride Durham Learn to navigate Durham's roads and routes with confidence. Sunday, August 16, 2pm to 6pm. [Register]

Your local nonprofit working to improve the way we walk, bike, and use transit in the Bull City.

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