Bike Erie started as a grassroots movement led by individuals in the Erie community who identified a lack of support for healthy transportation and a substantial need to transform Erie into a bicycle-friendly and walkable place for everyone. The Erie County Department of Health (ECDH) recognized the same need and partnered with the Bike Erie coalition. Since 2012, Bike Erie has worked hard to build capacity and continue to grow its efforts. In 2013, Bike Erie partnered with Environment Erie for fiscal sponsorship and in 2014 Bike Erie filed for 501(c)(3) tax exemption, which it received in early 2015. Bike Erie is governed and operated by a board of directors and volunteers.