Name Change Under Consideration

We would appreciate your comments and suggestions regarding changing the name of the Centre Region Bicycle Coalition (CRBC). At last week’s CRBC meeting it was agreed that a shorter more contemporary name would be more appealing and help to attract new membership. Reasons discussed in considering a name change included: 

  • The local cycling community has evolved since the creation of CRBC in 2000, and CRBC is no longer an umbrella organization for various groups as it was in the beginning, although the vision of a more cycle-friendly Centre County remains unchanged.
  • There are many who are comfortable with the CRBC name and don’t have second thoughts about ‘Coalition’ being in the name, however in speaking with potential new members some are unsure they want to belong to a Coalition, finding it intimidating.
  • The name may easily be confused with the new Centre Region Bicycle Advisory Committee (CRBAC). 
  • Many cycling groups around the country who once had longer names have shortened them – BikePGH and Bike Austin are examples. Although rather than follow these examples and use Bike State College, it was felt we should incorporate the wider region in the name. 
  • The name change is only one part of a greater effort to breathe new life into this local bicycle advocacy organization. In 2001, CRBC had more than 150 members and 7 committees. Today, CRBC has only 38 members who have paid the $15 dues and there are no committees. For whatever reason, and with full appreciation for previous strong, dedicated leadership, our numbers have greatly diminished.
  • CRBC past records show that one of the benefits of membership listed in 2001 was: “Bike rides and other outings to allow members to get to know one another and to perform service to the cycling community”. An appealing name may help to foster this social emphasis again.

After much discussion around possible names, it was suggested that we simply use our website address as the new name –CentreBike.org. There has been a very positive response to this logical suggestion, however we would like to hear additional input before the name change is put to a vote at the next meeting in October.

Please be assured that changing the name will not change the mission and goals of the organization. We will continue to be the voice of slow and fast bicyclists for safe connected bike routes.

Please send your comments and suggestions to: joan@videon-central.com.  All comments received will be summarized and shared prior to the next meeting on October 21st.

Thank you for your consideration,

Joan Potter

Secretary

Centre Region Bicycle Coalition

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