Below we’ve addressed some questions you may have. It’s also possible you have questions we haven’t addressed, and if so, please email ride@bikemaine.org and we’ll do our best to get you the information you need.
1. Why is BikeMaine 2021 cancelled?
Although we are encouraged by the vaccine rollout currently underway, there is still a long road ahead before gathering with hundreds of people from across the world in rural Maine communities feels safe again. By making this decision early, we are ensuring our communities, businesses, volunteers, and riders aren’t left with uncertainty about this piece of their summer plans. This also provides the time and space to see how the pandemic response will proceed before beginning to plan for BikeMaine 2022. We are continuing to look to the guidelines set by the CDC for event safety recommendations.
BikeMaine takes about 14 months to plan, relying on a host of community volunteers, local and national vendors, and the entire staff of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. Given the complex nature of the planning process, waiting until later on to make the judgement call would use valuable time and resources that are better spent planning events that are adaptable to the pandemic environment.
2. What about the COVID-19 vaccine?
Although we are encouraged by the fact that individuals in Maine and across the country and world have begun receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, experts have made it clear that social distancing, masks, and other protective measures will be part of our daily lives for the foreseeable future. We are currently evaluating the feasibility of smaller, shorter events for 2021, but know the risk remains high for a gathering of 500+ people from across the world for a traditional BikeMaine experience within the next year.
3. I rolled my registration over to 2021, what happens now?
An email was sent to the address you registered with on January 6, with a “Refund and Donation” form link. The deadline for responding was January 28. If we did not hear from you, a check will be sent automatically to the address we have on file. Either way, a refund will be mailed to you in the first week of February.
4. How and when will I receive my refund?
You will receive your refund by check made out to the name and address that was provided when you registered. You will receive one check with the total of all items purchased, minus the administrative fee. If you registered for multiple people or items, the name of the person who registered will be the one to receive the check. Checks will be mailed in the first week of February.
5. What is the administrative fee?
Cancelling this event comes at a cost, not only to the BCM, but to the Maine communities that BikeMaine supports economically. This fee helps us cover the cost of expenses incurred to date, including processing fees, host community planning committees, staff and independent contractor time, and purchased equipment. The $150 administrative fee is the same as was deducted from those who chose to cancel last year instead of rolling their registration over.
6. If I donate some or all of my registration costs, what does my money go towards?
Your donation will help the Bicycle Coalition of Maine continue our advocacy, education, and outreach efforts to make Maine a better place to bike and walk. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased number of pedestrians and cyclists on Maine roadways have highlighted the importance of being able to safely get outside and stay active. The BCM relies on donations from individual and business members to fund our mission of making biking and walking safe and accessible for all Mainers. Your donation today is an investment in the greater good of the Maine cycling community.
7. Can I receive a refund and donate?
Yes! You can choose to donate the entire amount or any portion of your refund. If you choose to donate the entire refund amount, thank you! You will be enrolled in our Yellow Jersey Club—which comes with our deepest gratitude, a spiffy Yellow Jersey Club cycling jersey, and invitations to exclusive BCM events. Of course, we appreciate any amount you feel comfortable donating, and we will put it to good use! Please remember, the $150 administrative fee is not a tax-deductible donation.
8. Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes! The BCM is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. A tax receipt will be emailed to you within a month.