The company was organized in 1920 as the Amateur Bicycle League of America and was incorporated in New York in 1921. In 1975, the name was changed to the United States Cycling Federation. In 1995, a new organization, USA Cycling, was
incorporated in Colorado, and on July 1, 1995, the two corporations merged, with USA Cycling being the umbrella corporation.
Since the creation of the modern bicycle, the United States has been a dominant force in cycling competition. Before World War II, cycling was second only to baseball as a national sporting pastime. Following a period of decline in the 1950s and '60s, cycling regained its popularity and today is the fastest-growing amateur participation and spectator sport. Studies show that more than 9 million Americans are active in cycling. Research futher indicates that these people spend more than $4 billion annually to participate in the sport of cycling, and that these expenditures will likely double over the next several years.
Purpose
USA Cycling is the official cycling organization recognized by the
USOC and is responsible for identifying, training and selecting cyclists to represent the United States in international competitions. USA Cycling, doing business as the USCF, NORBA, NCCA and USPRO, controls nearly two dozen major events each year and issues permits for up to 3,000 more.
The major activities of USA Cycling ensure the ongoing development and safe participation in the sport of cycling. Membership services and a full spectrum of other responsibilities account for the functions of USA Cycling.
Individual members elect a board of trustees that oversees their respective association, and that board elects two of its members to sit on the board of directors, which sets USA Cycling goals and policies. The members of each association also directly elect an active athlete to sit on the board. The corporation's business is conducted by a paid professional staff, which is overseen by the executive director. Staff members are responsible for administration, coaching and athlete services, Olympic preparation, technical services, membership services, corporate development, sport science research, event planning, media coverage and public relations.
Link to National Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA):
