Topeak Supports "Bikes Belong Coalition"

Topeak Supports "Bikes Belong Coalition"

DATELINE: FOXBORO, MA; ISSUED SEPTEMBER 14, 2001 . . .
Topeak, the leading manufacturer of cycling accessories and toolkits, has strongly reaffirmed its support for the Bikes Belong Coalition, the only political advocacy group for the bicycle industry. Topeak has stepped forward as a major financial contributor and close advisor to Bikes Belong.

Based in Brookline, Massachusetts, Bikes Belong Coalition is a membership organization founded by bicycle industry leaders with the mission of "putting more people on bikes more often through the implementation of TEA-21."

In the Transportation Equity Act of the 21Century (TEA-21), Congress set aside billions of dollars to help make communities more bicycle-friendly and encourage alternative transportation. In addition to lobbying on behalf of the bicycle industry, Bikes Belong Coalition provides grants of up to $10,000 to help community groups develop specific projects that will access TEA-21 federal funds.

Speaking out on behalf of the organization, Neal Todrys, President of Todson/Topeak, third generation of his family to work in the bicycle industry, noted "Bikes Belong Coalition is much more than just a lobbyist for the bike industry. They are actively helping communities across America take advantage of the TEA-21 dollars that Congress earmarked for building bike paths and facilities for bicyclists. While allocated, this is money that won't get spent unless local people can develop projects within their communities that will qualify for TEA-21 federal funding.

"To date, Bikes Belong Coalitions has provided $225,000 in total grant money to local communities for specific bike projects, enabling these communities to access more than $125,000,000 in government funding under TEA-21.

"While Bikes Belong Coalition has strong support within the bicycle industry, the larger scope of their efforts remains under-appreciated by the public. The work being done by Bikes Belong Coalition is important and deserves much wider recognition than it is now receiving. Topeak is proud to be providing them with continued financial support, and calling attention to their efforts to improve bicycling within communities across America."

An innovator in the design of lightweight, compact toolkits, Topeak has built its reputation making the world's finest cycling tools and accessories. The Topeak product line ranges from onboard bike computers to multifunction tools that can do everything from change a flat to perform backwoods surgery. Topeak products are available in fine bike and outdoor stores throughout the country, or can be ordered directly at the Topeak website, www.topeak.com.

For more information about Bikes Belong, please visit their website, www.bikesbelong.com, or contact: Rich Olken, Executive Director, (617) 734-2800.

   







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