Last month, Bike Walk Mississippi, the statewide cycling and pedestrian advocacy group, took to its website to announce its struggles to stay financially afloat. Since that time, donations have come in from individuals and businesses, including more than $1,000 raised at a fundraiser hosted by Julep Restaurant & Bar in Jackson, said Bike Walk executive director Melody Moody.
In addition, proceeds from StinkyFeet Athletic’s 5K for $5, set for Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Genghis Grill in Flowood, will benefit Bike Walk. 
The funds are the first step in maintaining Bike Walk’s momentum, but the fight is not over yet.
“Bike Walk is beyond grateful for the generosity of people across the state who have become members and made donations in our time of need. We feel so blessed by the support and hope that we spread the word to others who see the value of our efforts and will help us to continue our momentum,” Moody said. “Any gift, big or small, is appreciated and will go a long way in our efforts to increase the quality of life in Mississippi and increase the health and wealth of Mississippi by creating more livable communities.
Moody said Bike Walk has “big plans” in the coming year that will help transform the landscape of Mississippi. Over the past year, Bike Walk and its volunteers launched the Jxn Community Bike Shop, Women Bike Mississippi, the Museum to Market Trail and Jackson Streets Alive, the state’s first-ever cyclovia festival held back in April. Bike Walk also had a role in the passage of the John Paul Frerer Bicycle Safety Act of 2010, which requires Mississippi drivers to allow three feet of space when passing bicyclists.
Moody attributes Bike Walk’s financial crunch to the lack of awareness about what Bike Walk does, i.e. working with governmental agencies to advocate for bike trails and multi-use paths, supporting bicycle and pedestrian programs and their funding, etc.
“We want people to know that although you may not realize that you see and enjoy the work of the organization, we are working behind the scenes to advocate for better and more livable communities across the state,” Moody said.
Next on Bike Walk’s agenda: The first-ever Mississippi Bike Summit set for Oct. 2 in Jackson. Visit www.msbikesummit.com for more information.
Donations can be made at www.bikewalkmississippi.org or sent by check and mailed to: Bike Walk Mississippi, P.O. Box 515, Jackson, MS 39205. An annual Bike Walk membership can be purchased for $50. For more information, email bikewalk@bikewalkmississippi.org.
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