pedal instead

In November 2003, several University Area residents decided to found a new neighborhood organization, in spite of the existence of several others, to address a need that was not being met elsewhere—the need for people to feel that they have something valuable to contribute to their community. In January 2005, these citizens met formally for the first time to draft articles of incorporation for the University Area Enrichment Association, the core values of which were to be empowerment and optimism. UAEA received its 501(c)(3) status in August 2005. Since that time we have worked with thousands of University Area stakeholders to facilitate the innovative ideas and the drive they have to make their neighborhoods better.

We at UAEA believe that few activities suggest harmony with the world like riding a bike. Bicycling for transportation ameliorates the poor health, environmental degradation, oil dependency, and financial strain associated with automobile travel. It permits community to occur between the cyclist, their neighbors, and their environment, through an visceral connection that generates unparalleled joy. Thus we encourage bicycle transportation as a means to a better life for all of us, and provide Pedal Instead to facilitate more people riding bikes (and fewer riding passively in cars). We believe that all people and all communities should experience the benefits of utilitarian cycling, and though Pedal Instead is tasked simply with parking bicycles, we intend for the program to create a context in which this vision becomes reality.