We are fighting back against the consistent blows to bicycling and walking in the current versions of the House and Senate transportation bills. We are joined together in a campaign to save cycling from these attacks that threaten 20 years of progress in promoting bicycling and walking as energy-efficient, healthy and safe modes of transportation.
Congress is about to eliminate infrastructure programs that demonstrably create jobs, improve safety, provide transportation choices, and promote the most energy-efficient of all travel modes: walking and bicycling. All of this without reducing the cost of the overall bill. The Senate bill reduces the small percentage of transportation funding currently targeted to bicycling and walking. This bill also does not reduce the cost of the overall bill. Furthermore, the Senate bill makes it totally optional for states.
Along with our colleagues in America Bikes coalition, the League has issued an action alert urging Congress to reject entirely the proposed highway bill (H.R.7) in the House of Representatives, and to support the bipartisan Cardin-Cochran amendment to the Senate bill to preserve local control over transportation funds.
The Senate and House Bill are unprecedented attacks on the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Take action today, pass the action alert to your friends and family, and register for the National Bike Summit this March 20-22 in Washington, D.C. This event is critical for bicycling, and we need every cyclists to personally tell their representatives about the importance of bicycling.
It’s time to tell our representatives that we bike, and we vote. Together, we can save cycling and our streets.
Andy Clarke League President
Clarke was appointed to the position of Executive Director in April of 2004 after successfully leading efforts to create, interpret and implement the various transportation programs that are available to improve conditions for bicycling and walking as the League’s State and Local Advocacy Director.
Tuesday evening, I rode home from work in shorts. It was the last day of January, well after dark, and the temperature was still over 60 degrees. To be honest, though, the weather is the least crazy thing that’s been happening here in Washington this week.
We had less than two days to read an 864-page highway bill – the American Infrastructure and Energy Jobs Act – before a Committee mark-up on Thursday at 9:00am. Not only did the proposed bill strip all funding for bicycling and walking programs, but it tore at the very heart of existing provisions ensuring bicyclists and pedestrians at least have a seat at the table when transportation decisions are made at the state and local level.
Together with our colleagues in the America Bikes coalition, we had anticipated the funding attacks and had been working with Republican allies on the committee to prepare an amendment to restore funding. We had not anticipated the fury with which this initiative was greeted by Committee Chairman John Mica, Speaker of the House John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor – they evidently worked hard to dissuade their colleagues from supporting the bi-partisan amendment.
Chairman Mica and the House leadership succeeded in blocking a pro-bike amendment to the House transportation bill, but we made them work for it.
Representatives Petri (WI) and Johnson (IL) were rock stars. Despite the incredible pressure, they held firm and even added a third Republican when the final vote came, Frank LoBiondo (NJ). Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) joined the amendment and helped ensure every Democrat voted for it; fiery support coming from Reps Rahall (WV) and DeFazio (OR). Although we lost by just two votes, I think we left a big impression.
That was in large part due to the thousands of you (18,000 e-mails sent out through our on-line advocacy system alone, tens of thousands more through our allies) who called or e-mailed your Members of Congress on the Committee. This fantastic support made a difference. Several Republican members were truly on the fence right up to the last minute, because they had heard so loudly from their constituents. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
So what happens now? Well, the bill was finally approved in Committee and is currently scheduled to be debated on the floor of the House during the week of February 13 – it is still a very partisan bill and trying to pass an amendment is going to be extremely tough, should we go that route.
Meanwhile, the Senate MAP-21 bill threatens to spring back into life next week – which means we have to switch gears and ensure a strong “local control” provision is included to enable agencies to access funds for bicycling and walking projects. Senator Ben Cardin is our champion here, and if things do start to move as we expect we will need your help again.
(We honestly don’t control the timing of these things and really appreciate your patience and support as we send out bursts of e-mails asking for your help!)
If – and it’s a big if – both House and Senate complete their bills, including provisions to pay for them, they’ll try to combine them and get them to the President before March 31. Failing that, we will once again be looking at an extension of the current programs, but we won’t be able to let our guard down for a second: we have been warned to expect more attacks on dedicated funding for bicycling and walking programs.
Clarke was appointed to the position of Executive Director in April of 2004 after successfully leading efforts to create, interpret and implement the various transportation programs that are available to improve conditions for bicycling and walking as the League’s State and Local Advocacy Director.
Busy day today in the world of bicycling advocacy.
Complete Streets
Last night, we told you about the Complete Streets-inspired amendment that the Senate Commerce Committee is considering tomorrow. You can still contact your Senator, if she or he is a member of the Commerce Committee, to voice your support for Senator Begich’s amendment.
Blue Ridge Parkway Management Plan
This morning, we sent out an action alert to bicyclists in Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina to ask them tosend in comments to the Blue Ridge Parkway Supervisor on the park’s 20-year Draft Management Plan. Cyclists in other states are also welcome to comment. In it’s current form, the plan could limit the Parkway’s ability to sufficiently plan for biking in the future.
We have been working closely with the Virginia Bicycling Federation, the Adventure Cycling Association, and the International Mountain Bicycling Association on the Blue Ridge Parkway campaign. We are asking the park planners to: 1) Halt the National Historic Landmark application process. The designation would make it harder to make future improvements for bicycling access, such as wider shoulders and trails. 2) Recognize and promote cycling in the Draft Management Plan as a viable and important aspect of Parkway visitation. 3) Work with cyclists, the surrounding communities, and the general public to meet the needs of today’s changing world.
It is a pleasure to work with such committed bicycling advocates across the country. I look forward to seeing many of you at the National Bike Summit in March.
Darren Flusche League Policy Analyst
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
The League of American Bicyclists annual National Bike Summit has transformed bicycling in the United States since the first Summit 11 years ago. The first Summit was small — only 100 bicycling advocates attended — but as of last year, 800 attended and the nation was listening. Though we have made an amazing amount of progress since 2001 and changed the way many Americans think about bicycling and transportation, most of our current leaders on Capitol Hill have not been touched or changed by our message.
Many of you who follow bicycling advocacy have been riding the Transportation Bill and Enhancements roller coaster with the League and our partners in the America Bikes Coalition. We have been battered this year with our current administration’s threat to change the way bicycling is funded and to simply not fund bicycling at all. Currently, there is even a proposed law to force cyclists off roads on Federal lands and onto sidepaths. This is where you come in.
The National Bike Summit is March 20-22 in Washington, D.C.; and on the third day of the event, we coordinate congressional meetings for all attendees with their representatives. You get to meet your senators and tell them what bicycling means to your state and why bicycling is an integral part of our transportation system. Furthermore, the timing couldn’t be better. The Transportation Bill is set to expire on March 31, 2012 — just a few short weeks after we are on the Hill putting the ask in for bicycling. The bill will either be re-written or extended — more than likely extended — and with your help, bicycling will not be left behind.
Please don’t let let Capitol Hill take us back 50 years to a time when bicycling was not funded and not considered transportation. Our hard fought work must not be thrown away. Register for the Summit by tomorrow, November 11 (11.11.11) to SAVE CYCLING and save $50 off the already discounted early bird registration. Use the code SUMMIT12 when you are filling out the online registration form.
Make your voice heard this March at the Bike Summit. Until then, make your voice heard on Twitter with #nbs12 (National Bike Summit 2012).
Meghan Cahill League Director of Communications
Cahill joined the League in December 2008 and has a BA in Media Communications with a concentration in Italian Studies from the College of Charleston.
Last week in Washington started on a high – and not just the sugar high generated by Halloween candy. We opened registration for the 2012 National Bike Summit. The Summit is a huge deal for us; a lot of work to pull together, but incredibly rewarding to see the growing impact it has each year on our issues and our movement. Clearly, the 2012 edition is going to be as critical as any previous events coming as it does just eight days before the current transportation bill expires.
Our excitement is obviously shared: folks in Arkansas and Oklahoma were proudly telling me later in the week that they had signed up already and even knew what number registrant they were!
Tuesday was a face-to-face America Bikes board meeting…and of course it was also the day of the remarkable Senate vote on Rand Paul’s amendment to strip the transportation enhancements program of all its funding and divert those dollars to bridge repair. Thanks to a massive outpouring of e-mails and calls from tens of thousands of supporters, the amendment was voted down by 60 to 38. We learned the result during the America Bikes board meeting, and it was an exciting moment. Sixty votes in the Senate is actually a pretty big deal. That’s a veto-proof majority and not many issues have garnered that kind of bi-partisan support in this most divided Congress. Yes, Republicans, Democrats and Independents voted together to unequivocally support the continuation of the TE program.
The following day, as if more validation were needed, a huge report was released by the Global Health Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Researchers found that:
Cutting out short auto trips and replacing them with mass transit and active transport would yield major health benefits, according to a study just published in the scientific journal Environmental Health Perspectives. The biggest health benefit was due to replacing half of the short trips with bicycle trips during the warmest six months of the year, saving about $3.8 billion per year from avoided mortality and reduced health care costs for conditions like obesity and heart disease.
Wow, that’s just what the enhancements and safe routes to schools programs could help make happen, right? You betcha. So, thank you, Senators, for having the wisdom to maintain funding for such a valuable program with long-term financial benefits to individuals, communities and the nation. Remember, the total amount of Federal funding going to bicycling and walking projects in FY2011 was around $750 million…so $3.8 billion annually in returns is a pretty good investment by anyone’s standards!
Thursday morning I was traveling and picked up a copy of USA Today. The cover story was a new AAA research report on the phenomenal cost of motor vehicle crashes – $6m for every one of the more than 35,000 fatalities in 2009. Two interesting things beyond the staggering overall costs involved: first, the cost and impacts of crashes far outweigh those caused by congestion, which suggests safety should be higher priority than congestion relief for highway departments. Second, the study compared the relative costs of crashes per capita in different sized cities and showed low and high ranges. Lo and behold, all of the low-end communities – where crashes were the lowest – were Bicycle Friendly Communities of note: San Francisco (gold), Colorado Springs (silver) and Boulder (platinum). Coincidence? I don’t think so.
There is tremendous bi-partisan support for encouraging bicycling and walking as part of Federal transportation program. There are incredible health and environmental benefits to be had from such an investment. And in those places that are investing in making non-motorized transportation work, every resident is benefitting in terms of safety and quality of life, whether they bicycle or not.
Could the week possibly get any better?
Well, late on Friday, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee released their 600-page draft of the next Federal transportation bill. For now, you can look at the bill yourself (enjoy…it is only 600 pages after all), and review thisside-by-side analysis of the critical funding sections for bicycling and walking programs and decide for yourself what impact this might have on funding for those activities. We’ll provide more commentary on Tuesday, ahead of the Committee mark-up on Wednesday – then you’ll discover whether the high’s of the week continued, or the scary part of Halloween came to the fore…
Andy Clarke League President
Clarke was appointed to the position of Executive Director in April of 2004 after successfully leading efforts to create, interpret and implement the various transportation programs that are available to improve conditions for bicycling and walking as the League’s State and Local Advocacy Director.
New York City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, along with US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Congressman Earl Blumenauer, announced the release of the print version of the National Association of City Transportation Official’s Urban Bikeway Design Guide.
“This is a guide cities should use,” said Secretary LaHood in front of the Union Station Bike Station. He went on to enumerate all of the exciting things that are happening in cities from New York to Chicago to Portland. The Secretary also said today that he won’t serve a second term as Transportation Secretary — certainly bad news for bicyclists.
“The Urban Bikeway Design Guide is a really critical piece for cities across the country who want to encourage bicycling as part of the transportation mix,” League President Andy Clarke said after the event, “And it fills a real void in available information on designing and implementing more innovative roadway designs and designs that work in our cities. The on-line guide is already a valuable resource to aspiring Bicycle Friendly Communities – the print version just makes it seem even more real and impressive!”
From left, Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, and League President Andy Clarke show off their new NACTO design guides.
The NACTO Urban Bikeways Design Guide takes a ride on Capital Bikeshare.
Darren Flusche League Policy Analyst
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
The message at the 2011 National Bike Summit was: bicycling is good for business. Thanks to data from Bikes Belong and the America Bikes coalition partners, we were able to back up those words with numbers. America Bikes assembled fact sheets for every state and Congressional District.
They first list the amounts of federal investment in bicycling and walking using Transportation Enhancements since 1992 and Safe Routes to School since 2005. Then they show the gross revenue of bicycle retail stores for 2009 and the number of retail stores in the district or state. In the majority of the districts, the entire federal investment since 1992 is matched by retail revenue in just a few years.
The fact sheets were a new addition this year to address the priorities of the current Congress. “Given the current focus in Congress on budget cuts and job creation, the fact sheets were developed as an important tool for Summit attendees to educate the many new Members of Congress, as well as some of the more skeptical Members, on why the federal government must continue to invest in bicycling infrastructure,” says Walter Finch, League Advocacy Director.
“People know bicycling is good for health and the environment. The fact that biking is good for American businesses is not as intutitive, and people need to see the numbers to understand that,” says Daniel de Zeeuw, campaign coordinator for America Bikes, who created the fact sheets.
The hundreds of bike advocates encamped at the Grand Hyatt for the National Bike Summit have been armed with fact sheets for their foray to the Capitol. Just like Sarbanes, members will be told precisely how many stores sell bikes in their districts and how much their constituents spend on two-wheelers.
They appear to have been extremely effective. ”We have found in our meetings with the Members and staff that the fact sheets have been very well received,” the League’s Finch says. “Many have told us that they are quite enlightened when they see the economic impact that bicycling has meant for their specific districts and communities.”
“In every office I visited, regardless of which side of the isle they were on, eye brows raised when I began to talk about the dollars and cents our industry brought into each district,” says Dan Thornton, president and owner of Free-Flite Bicycles in Georgia. ”In every case when I offered to leave behind the fact sheet, the staffer or actual Member excitedly accepted it. In all my meetings over the years it was the first time I felt the materials left were actually reviewed upon our departure.”
Here are the fact sheets, prepared by America Bikes, for each state and district: (more…)
Darren Flusche League Policy Analyst
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
[Note: As a board member of Bike Walk Mississippi I had the honor of joining advocates from my home state during the Thursday lobby day of last week's National Bike Summit. With the week centered around the economics of bicycling, we decided to let James Moore, bicycle shop owner and National Bicycle Dealer Association Treasurer, take the lead in our meetings with legislators and their staff. What he presented was too good not to share with a wider audience. Similar stories exist in all of our communities- learning and sharing them should be an integral part of all of our work to create a Bicycle Friendly America. -- J. Peel]
In 1984 I opened Moore’s Bicycle Shop in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. As with any new business, I struggled the first few years getting off the ground. In fact, for the first 16 years it was a one man operation with the occasional part time employee. Things started to change in 1994 after our region received a Transportation Enhancement grant of just over $2.5 million and another in 1999 for $2 million to create the Longleaf Trace multi-use trail.
Since the trail’s opening we have seen a significant increase in bicycling – and business. In the years leading to the opening of the trail, my business struggled to average $220,000 in annual sales with my one part time worker. When the trail opened in 2000, annual sales doubled and have remained at that level since.
Because of this investment into bicycling facilities in our community, my workforce has grown from one part time staff to two full time employees and three to four part time workers overnight. My part time staff are all working to put themselves through school at the local university. In the decade since the trail opened I’ve been fortunate enough to have employed over 30 such students, some of whom stayed with the business through graduation. This increase in staff has generated over half a million in additional payroll because of the increase in our business due to the Longleaf Trace.
As a direct result of this federal investment in our local community, my small business has generated an additional $175,000 in sales tax for the state of which $31,500 (18%) was returned to the city of Hattiesburg.
With this growth in business, I outgrew my small 1,400 square foot store and purchased and remodeled a larger building. I transformed a vacant structure into a 4,500 square foot showroom with a 2,000 square foot warehouse. Along with the purchase were 9 overgrown lots I cleaned up and preserve as a “test ride area” that also serves as open green space for the surrounding neighborhood. At the smaller location I paid $1,400 in property taxes. At our larger facility I now pay over $8,000 in annual property taxes that benefit my city, county and local school district.
Since the trail opened the increase in payroll, property tax and sales tax totals for my small business have been over $750,000- and it’s not just me. The popularity of the Long Leaf Trace has also caused many new business start ups to launch along the 41 mile trail to cater to all of the local and out of state trail users, most of which share similar success stories.
Photo: Rails to Trails Conservancy
Even with all of this, the greatest economic development impact of the Longleaf Trace is yet to be experienced. Downtown Hattiesburg suffered an exodus of retail businesses in the mid 70’s with the opening of the malls. With most buildings sitting vacant for 2 decades, historic downtown Hattiesburg is beginning to be revitalized with restaurants, art galleries and music venues. Investors have now purchased several of the larger buildings to turn into housing that will cater to the 16,000 university students. The final key to this puzzle of success will be the next expansion of the Longleaf Trace which will link the university campus with the expansion of housing downtown. This vital 2 mile extension of the trace connecting the campus to downtown development will rely on Transportation Enhancements for its construction. The trail is critical to this success as it will allow students to live downtown yet be on campus with a 10 minute bicycle ride.
Our local leaders understand that investing in bicycling facilities is also investing in the health and vitality of our community. Without the federal and community investment none of this would have been possible. Without continued federal support, Hattiesburg will struggle in achieving its goals of becoming a more livable and economically vibrant community in which to raise a family, get an education or operate a business.
James Moore can be contacted at Moore’s Bicycle Shop, 1607 Hardy Street Hattiesburg, MS 39401 or (601) 544-1978, tracerider@megagate.com.
Jeff Peel State and Local Advocacy Coordinator
Peel joined the League in March 2008 as a Program Specialist for the Bicycle Friendly Communities program. Peel has a BA in American Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Check out the new Streetfilms video on the Congressional Bike Ride:
The National Bike Summit officially wrapped this morning, March 11, with our Congressional Bike Ride in honor of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), a regular rider and member of the Congressional Bike Caucus, and in memory of those killed in the Tucson shooting. It was the largest turnout yet for our Congressional Ride, with over 100 riders.
President of the League Andy Clarke leads a moment of silence for all of the Tucson shooting victims | Photo courtesy of Chris Eichler
We followed tradition and met at Garfield Circle on our Bike and Roll rentals, tandems, hybrids, collapsible bikes, Capital Bikeshare bikes, and touring bikes (this list could go on forever). However, this year we didn’t immediately hop on our bikes and hit the streets. We gathered and took a moment of silence for all of victims affected by the Tucson shootings. We received Arizona flag bandannas and white and black ribbons — the white represents hope for a peaceful nonviolent society and the black is in remembrance of all who have died as a result of violence — to wear in solidarity.
A couple from Arizona rides in tandem to support Giffords | Photo courtesy of Carly Sieff
The route, created by WABA, toured D.C.’s recent bike infrastructure projects and gave us all a bit of excitement as onlookers on the streets gawked at how many people were using the Pennsylvania Ave. and 15th St. bike lanes. It truly was a sight and we were all honored to ride for Giffords, hoping she can get back on her bike real soon.
The Congressional Ride stops at a light on the Pennsylvania Ave. Bikes lanes | Photo courtesy of Chris Eichler
Groups of Congressional Riders on 15th St. Bike Lanes | Photo courtesy of Carly Sieff
Cyclists hold the Arizona state flag in honor of Congresswoman Giffords (Photo: Darren Flusche)
League President Andy Clarke, in grey blazer, and six-time national cyclocross champion Tim Johnson, in grew sweatshirt, in front of the Capitol. (Photo: Darren Flusche)
Meghan Cahill League Director of Communications
Cahill joined the League in December 2008 and has a BA in Media Communications with a concentration in Italian Studies from the College of Charleston.
To the delight of advocates, Congressman Steven LaTourette (R-OH) has agreed to be an original co-sponsor of National Complete Streets legislation when the bill is introduced. Today seven delegates from Ohio met with the Congressman and awarded him a League of American Bicyclists award in appreciation.
Congressman Steven LaTourette (R-OH,) at right, meets with Jeff Stephens of Consider and Lois Moss of Bike+Walk Cleveland Biking
“He is certainly a friend to our cause,” says Jeff Stephens of Consider Biking. When asked for a commitment to defend Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to Schools funding from cuts, Rep. LaTourette said, “Safe Routes to School is under attack by some people, which is unfortunate. I will do what I can.”
The Congressman also shared his thoughts on what to expect. “We had a valuable discussion about the realities of the future funding system,” says Stephens. LaTourette was skeptical about the chances a new authorization bill would pass saying that for a robust program you need robust funding. In the meantime, we look forward to working with the Congressman to make sure our streets are build to accommodate all users.
Read more about Congressman LaTourette’s eventful history with bicycling advocates: here, here, and here.
Darren Flusche League Policy Analyst
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
First of all — woah. It seems like almost every Summit attendee is using Twitter to communicate all the action that is taking place on the Hill today. We are wowed by your Twitter commitment. Plus, we love getting the deets from your tweets. For those that aren’t familiar with Twitter or would rather follow the Twitter Summit updates on our blog, keep the below Twitter widget in your browser to watch the live feed. For those that are tweeting with the #bikesummit11 hashtag, keep up the good work!
Meghan Cahill League Director of Communications
Cahill joined the League in December 2008 and has a BA in Media Communications with a concentration in Italian Studies from the College of Charleston.
Janette Sadik-Khan, New York City’s transportation commissioner, looked out at several hundred bicyclists gathered here on Wednesday morning and allowed herself a smile.
“It is wonderful to be here,” she said, “with so many friends.”
The past few days have not been easy for Ms. Sadik-Khan. A lawsuit filed on Monday accused her agency of misleading the public about a bicycle lane on Prospect Park West; last week, she withdrew a proposal to install a pedestrian plaza on 34th Street in Manhattan that had been attacked by neighborhood activists (and tabloid columnists).
But on Wednesday, in an appearance scheduled months in advance, Ms. Sadik-Khan spoke in front of a more supportive crowd: the National Bike Summit, an annual gathering put on by the League of American Bicyclists, an advocacy group. The buzz around the hotel ballroom was that Ms. Sadik-Khan — described by attendees as innovative, inspirational and a role model — was not a speaker to miss.
For example, Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) will learn that his district is home to 51 stores that sell bikes and that those stores grossed more than $20 million in 2009. Bikes, he’ll be told, are sold by small-business owners, and those sales create jobs.
And, by the way, if you’re looking to develop transportation alternatives in these tight times, bike paths and bike lanes are a whole lot less expensive than new highways and commuter rail lines.
With mountains of debt being circled by budget hawks on the Hill, preaching the bike gospel of good health benefits and a green alternative to carbon-belching autos seems so 2007.
In 2011, bikes are small business and cheap transportation.
The hundreds of bike advocates encamped at the Grand Hyatt for the National Bike Summit have been armed with fact sheets for their foray to the Capitol. Just like Sarbanes, members will be told precisely how many stores sell bikes in their districts and how much their constituents spend on two-wheelers.
It has already been a year since the last National Bike Summit, and this year’s edition is starting today in Washington DC at the Grand Hyatt. The organizers write: “There are more people riding bikes than ever. Yet half of all U.S. trips are three miles or less, and more than 90 percent are made by car. The National Bike Summit has improved bicycle-friendliness and livability in many communities, but the need and opportunity to improve physical activity, safety and livability in the U.S., while reducing congestion, greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on oil – remains greater today than a decade ago. These issues seem difficult to solve but the answer is simple. The answer is the bicycle. “
“We are very fortunate that, in these hard economic times, the President knows the economic importance of investing in transportation,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, blogging in advance of his opening presentation at the League of American Bicyclists’ National Bike Summit, March 8-10, 2011 inWashington, D.C. LaHood is the first of many impressive speakers at the Summit, from Janette Sadik-Khan (commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation) and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to Robin Schepper, Executive Director ofMichelle Obama‘s Let’s Move Campaign.
“Summit attendees will be reminding their representatives about the direct value of enhancements, safe routes, recreational trails and other Federally-funded projects,” said League President Andy Clarke. “More than 700 cycling advocates, supporters and industry executives are coming to D.C. to emphasize the importance of bicycling to new and current members of Congress. Bicycling offers an excellent return on Federal investment, in terms of jobs, economic growth, and a healthier America.”
Each year, the League of American Bicyclists orchestrates a convergence of hundreds of bike advocates from across the country. For three days we network with other grassroots leaders, learn about federal transportation issues and deliver our bike-partisan message directly to our members of Congress.
Darren Flusche League Policy Analyst
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
It started with one bike rack at one school. Robin Schepper was “just your basic type-A mom” when she found out that her son’s school had a no-bikes policy. First, she asked around and found no good reason for the policy; no one could tell her why it was in place. Next, she asked and received permission to have a bike rack installed — if she could get one. She did. Easy. “And it wasn’t just filled with kids bikes,” she says, “it was filled with teacher’s bikes too.” Over the next few years she worked with the Safe Routes to School to promote healthy travel options for kids.
Today, Robin Schepper is the Executive Director of the First Lady’s Let’s Move Campaign, an initiative with the goal of “solving the problem of obesity within a generation.” Schepper was introduced by IMBA‘s Jenn Dice, who pledged to get 30,000 children moving on Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day. Schepper spoke to the National Bike Summit audience today about how education programs and infrastructure to increase physical activity can address critical problems such as diabetes, children’s performance in school, and community development.
On a humorous note, she did let it slip that the White House might not be winning a Bicycle Friendly Business award anytime soon: “I don’t bike to work now because there isn’t a shower in the White House.”
Here’s some footage of the presentation:
Darren Flusche League Policy Analyst
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
The first‐ever Bicycle Friendly University designations were announced today at the National Bike Summit. Among the 32 universities that applied, 20 are receiving designations, with Stanford University earning the only platinum‐level award. The program recognizes colleges and universities that create exceptional environments where bicycling can thrive and provides a roadmap and technical assistance to create great campuses for bicycling.
“Universities have long served as incubators for developing bike‐friendly cultures and practices, and that has a big impact on the expectations that students bring to the workplace and beyond,” said Bill Nesper, director of the League’s Bicycle Friendly America Program. “With the launch of the Bicycle Friendly Universities program, we’re able to highlight the crucial role that academic institutions play in shaping a more bike‐friendly future.”
2011 Bicycle Friendly University Winners
Also, 55 new Bicycle Friendly Businesses from restaurants to law firms will be receiving awards at this year’s summit. USAA, which is receiving the silver‐level designation, has experienced how bicycling can transform a workplace and surrounding community.
“USAA promotes safe cycling as an element of our overall sustainability and wellness strategies. The remarkable results we have seen in positive environmental impacts generated by our employees are mirrored by the positive wellness gains made.” – from their 2011 application.
To find out more about the winners and the programs, read the press release here.
Meghan Cahill League Director of Communications
Cahill joined the League in December 2008 and has a BA in Media Communications with a concentration in Italian Studies from the College of Charleston.
The second day of the National Bike Summit has officially kicked off with the opening plenary and inspiring words from Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation Janette Sadik-Khan, and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. The rally energized and prepared attendees for a “Capitol Hill unlike any before,” said Blumenauer in the plenary’s welcome. However, he reminded all that bicycling has many supporters in D.C. ”US Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood…is an ally like we’ve never had before.”
Blumenauer makes the point that in order to make livable communities and bicycling infrastructure a reality, that we need to help people connect to the facts. “Our message is different, and people like it,” said Blumenauer. ”If we can do it on Pennsylvania Avenue, maybe we can do it with some of our national treasures.”
Blumenauer closed with reminding Summit attendees to remind their representatives to “not cut what you haven’t visited.”
Keynote speaker Sadik-khan has been busy lately in NYC creating a city that all road users can be safe using. She referenced all the great cities in America that are implementing lanes and infrastructure on their streets, including Pennsylvannia Avenue in D.C., Broadway in NYC, Market St. in San Francisco, and Spruce St. in Philidelphia. She pointed out that “none of this was there five years ago…well maybe in Portland,” but that it takes courage and the tools to make it happen. ”It’s painstaking work…there are setbacks but that is to be expected when you are in the business of change.” Luckily, NYC has a mayor that understands the importance of being a bicycle-friendly city. “We have Bloomberg and the political courage.” New York now has 250 miles of new bike lanes.
However, it was Sadik-khan’s big news that wowed the whole crowd — the release of the new NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide. ”We would like the FHWA to recognize these as national standards and for AASHTO to do the same,” said Sadik-khan. “We will make cycling safe and excessible for everyone.” And that is exactly what this guide will do. For cities that do not have the courage of Bloomberg or Sakik-khan, they will now be able to readily provide for their streets and users — backed with standard guidelines.
Secretary Salazar closed the plenary with a fundamental message for Summit attendees to remember when they visit Capitol Hill on Thursday. “I encourage all of you to put a focal point on all the economics that are involved in bicycling…bicycling is essential.”
Meghan Cahill League Director of Communications
Cahill joined the League in December 2008 and has a BA in Media Communications with a concentration in Italian Studies from the College of Charleston.
At the opening plenary of the National Bike Summit, New York City’s Janette Sadik-Khan announced the release of the new NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide:
NYC's Janette Sadik-Knan and DC's Gabe Klein at the National Bike Summit
Darren Flusche League Policy Analyst
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood arrived at the National Bike Summit ready to go. In an interview before entering the conference ballroom where he will give the the Summit’s opening remarks, the Secretary said that now is the time for investing in bicycling. The re-authorization law is being written and President Obama has a strong vision for active, livable communities — and it’s what American’s want.
The Secretary gave a rousing speech, sharing plenty of credit with President Obama, “When you see me exhibiting this kind of energy it’s because of the man I’m accountable to.”
Now, the transportation budget President Obama proposed to Congress is a big, bold vision for the next generation of American transportation. And walkable, bikeable, livable communities are a central part of that vision. The President’s 2012 budget would boost funding for pedestrian and bike-friendly communities to $4.1 billion. And the Administration would like to see these essential resources included in the next six-year transportation legislation.
But that process is just beginning, and it won’t happen without the energy of the terrific community gathered at the National Bike Summit. So I wish them well as they meet with their legislators and educate them about the tremendous value of bicycle and pedestrian transportation options.
Darren Flusche League Policy Analyst
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
At some trade shows, racing bikes dominate. At Urban Press Camp, a three-day media event that brings together magazine editors and the leading brands in urban bikes and accessories, commuter bikes get their moment to shine. Yesterday, about 15 editors met with a dozen manufactures, including Breezer, Cannondale, and Raleigh. This morning the event, located at the beautiful House of Sweden, is open to National Bike Summit participants. It’s well worth a visit.
The timing of the event was designed to coincide with the National Bike Summit. “Being able to coat-tail into the National Bike Summit we hugely important to us,” says Lance Camisasca, president of Lifeboat Events, which put on the show.
At events like this, Summit participants get to see what is happen in the industry, while industry folks get involved with advocacy. “You come out of that thing fired up. There’s so much energy, it’s mind-blowing,” JT Burke, brand manager for Breezer, said of the National Bike Summit, which he attended last year. He says the Summit is important for the bicycling industry because, “you can’t grow [the commuter bike] market without better infrastructure.”
“This is an opportunity to showcase bikes that are non-competitive in nature,” says Cannondale’s PR manager, Michael de Leon. “Here they get put up on a pedal, which is unusual. These bikes are about how you can better your life, the environment, transportation. Everything the National Bike Summit is trying to do.”
Schwinn bike made of environmentally friendly Flax fiber.
Urban bikes on display
Brian Fornes, whose card reads "Raleigh Marketing Guy"
Darren Flusche League Policy Analyst
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
The National Bike Summit has not escaped the attention of Washington, D.C.’s largest newspaper. The Washington Post had this to say about the biggest bicycling advocacy event of the year:
LaHood, 65, an avid bicyclist, will return to speak at the summit but promised no gymnastic repeat.
“You only do that once,” he said recently. “I’ll find some other way to get their attention.”
Proponents of urban bike lanes and expansion of bike networks that would encourage recreational and commuter cycling feel particularly vulnerable as Congress and the Obama administration propose billions in budget cuts.
The administration, with LaHood taking the lead, has promoted cycling and other programs – including mass transit and high-speed rail – that provide alternatives to automotive travel.
Congress this month extended a stopgap transportation funding bill to the end of the current fiscal year, but whether it will find the will to approve a long-term transportation bill this year is clouded in the debate over how to pay for it.
Bike advocates fear their programs may not receive adequate funding or that federal mandates requiring states to include bike lanes in construction projects will be dropped.
The bike summit, convened annually by the League of American Bicyclists, will begin with a series of meetings and seminars at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday before members head to lobby Capitol Hill on Thursday.
Darren Flusche League Policy Analyst
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
In these economic times, we can only afford to invest in solutions that solve multiple problems. Bicycling and walking programs do that and they are essential to our communities. When every tax dollar has to do the most good, it’s the right time to invest in bicycling. That’s the message at the 2011 National Bike Summit.
We are asking Congress to support continued dedicated funding for vital bicycling and walking programs such as Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, and the Recreational Trails Program.
Between 1995 and 2010, the Portland region spent $4.2 billion on roadway improvements and $153 million on all active
transportation improvements.
Since 1990, the City of Portland saw an increase of 14,912 in daily bicycle commute trips and 37,006 in daily auto trips.
The cost of a new auto trip in Portland was approximately 22 times the cost of a new bicycle commute trip
Cost-effective: Between 1995 and 2010, the Portland region spent $4.2 billion on roadway improvements and $153 million on all active transportation improvements. Since 1990, the City of Portland saw an increase of 14,912 in daily bicycle commute trips and 37,006 in daily auto trips. The cost of a new auto trip in Portland was approximately 22 times the cost of a new bicycle commute trip.
By 2040, investments in the range of $138 to $605 million will result in health care cost savings of $388 to $594 million, fuel savings of $143 to $218 million, and savings in value of statistical lives of $7 to $12 billion. The benefit-cost ratios for health care and fuel savings are between 3.8 and 1.2 to 1, and an order of magnitude larger when value of statistical lives is used.
Job creating: A Baltimore study shows that for each $1 million spent, striping bike lanes and signing bike routes creates twice as many jobs as repaving and repairing roads, thank to a favorable labor to materials ratio.
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
The 2011 National Bike Summit is almost upon us. By dinner time tomorrow, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood will be speaking at the Opening Dinner. On Wednesday, Congressman Earl Blumenauer, NYC’s Janette Sedik-Khan, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Robin Schepper from the First Lady’s Let’s Move Campaign, and many others will rally the crowd and dozens of experts will load up attendees with knowledge and inspiration during panel presentations.
On Thursday, we will be taking all that energy to Capitol Hill. Advocates and industry representatives from 48 states and Puerto Rico will meet with their representatives to ask them to support continued dedicated funding for vital bicycling and walking programs such as Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, and the Recreational Trails Program.
You can count on this: bike pins will be ubiquitous in our Nation’s Capitol.
Just in case that’s not enough to get you pumped up, here is StreetFilms‘ superb video of last year’s National Bike Summit:
Darren Flusche League Policy Analyst
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
Earlier today, President Obama signed the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011 to keep federal transportation dollars flowing to the states for the next seven months. The House voted 421 – 4 for the extension on Wednesday and the Senate passed it by voice vote without debate yesterday afternoon. The quick pace was brought about because the previous extension was set to expire at midnight tonight, which would have halted transportation construction projects across the country.
The extension gives states added security and the confidence to continue their current projects knowing that funding will continue. ”For bicycling advocates, the extension means we are one step closer to having certainty about future of programs that fund bicycle and pedestrian projects,” said League President Andy Clarke.
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairwoman Barbara Boxer, D-CA, said:
With the construction season upon us, this extension is especially important because it will give states the certainty they need to award contracts and get projects underway. This will help ensure that jobs are saved and created in California and across the country. I am continuing to work with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle on a new surface transportation bill for the 21st century. Our goal is to get this legislation enacted by the end of this year.
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica, R-FL, said:
This extension of transportation programs will allow more time for the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to develop a fiscally responsible, long-term reauthorization of transportation programs to create jobs and build our nation’s infrastructure.
At the 2011 National Bike Summit next week, the League and advocates from across the country will work to preserve and increase funding for bicycling and walking in the next transportation authorization act.
Darren Flusche League Policy Analyst
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
One man in particular is as excited as we are: the Secretary of Transportation.
Secretary Ray LaHood — the keynote speaker of Tuesday’s welcoming dinner — is already thinking about how he can top his famous Tabletop speech at last year’s Summit. This morning he blogged about his building anticipation and the importance of bicycling and walking for America’s communities:
I’ve been to more than 100 cities in more than 40 states across this great country, and everywhere I’ve gone, people have said they want more ways of getting around. Often, they want to be able to leave their cars behind. This means improved transit like streetcars and buses. But it also means more opportunities–whether as a form of recreation or as a way of commuting–to walk or ride a bicycle safely. We can achieve that through off-street trails, as in the Philadelphia Area Pedestrian and Bicycle Network, or through on-street bike lanes, as along DC’s own Pennsylvania Avenue.
In addition to the Secretary, who is sure to bring his big-time enthusiastism, we have a tremendous list of panelists and speakers, including Janette Sadik-Khan and the Let’s Move Campaign‘s Robin Schepper. You can be among the first to see the entire program here.
Darren Flusche League Policy Analyst
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
We are well on track to have the biggest and best National Bike Summit yet, and we want you to be there! Register before 5:00 EST February 3 (that’s tomorrow!) to take advantage of our early bird pricing: $375 for members and $455 for non-members.
This year is make-or-break for bicycling advocacy. We don’t have all of the friends in Congress that we used to, which makes it even more important to go to Capitol Hill to make our voices heard. Click here to register now!
Want to learn more about the National Bike Summit? Click here.
~Katie Omberg
League Membership & Events Assistant
Attending the National Bike Summit can make a difference in your community. Here’s how it did in mine:
A few years ago during the Summit, I met with my Congressional Representative at the time, Marilyn Musgrave. I invited her to a school back home that had a Safe Routes to School program in place. Doing so would enable her to see how federal transportation dollars were being used at the local level.
Previous to her visit, the Congresswoman had refused to join the Congressional Bike Caucus and had not been a supporter of legislation that was going to divert transportation tax dollars from road construction or repair.
Buzz Feldman (in bike jersey) with Congresswoman Marilyn Musgraves, bike winners, and Tom Cobb, who donated one of the two bikes that were given away.
On the day that she chose to visit Columbine Elementary School in Longmont, Colorado, no special effort was made by the school to encourage increased participation in their Safe Routes to School program. The Congresswoman stood on one of the sidewalks use by students as they enter the campus. Her job was to give each student who walked or biked a recognition sticker that read, “I walked to School” or “I biked to school”. On that special day, out of 417 students at the school, only 12 arrived by car. The remainder all either walked or biked to school. No youngsters are bused to Columbine. Congresswoman Musgrave was amazed at the level of participation and the lack of traffic around the school! It was an eye opening experience for her.
While at the school, the Congresswoman had the fun of picking two winners of new bicycles from raffle tickets the students had earned throughout the school year for walking or biking. (See accompanying photo.)
Upon her return to her office in D.C., Congresswoman Musgrave immediately joined the Congressional Bike Caucus and became an ardent supporter of Safe Routes to School and other initiatives that encourage people to walk or bike more.
Guest blogger Buzz Feldman is League Cycling Instructor #1316 and a founding member of Bicycle Longmont in Longmont, Colorado. He’s currently the Coordinator for Safe Routes to School in St. Vrain Valley School District and serves on Longmont’s Transportation Advisory Board. He’s the former owner of High Gear Cyclery in Longmont.
The nation’s capital was hit with both a major snowstorm and a return to Congressional action this week – with the transportation bill and future funding issues for once making more progress than the car commuters stuck in Wednesday’s heavy snow!
On Wednesday, a Senate hearing on the transportation bill included a revealing exchange, reported by StreetsBlog DC, between Senators Inhofe, Boxer and Cardin, and witnesses from the construction industry who seem unaware that their members also build bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Inhofe (R-OK) appeared to ask for help in getting Republican support for a transportation bill that includes funding for transportation enhancements – which prompted witnesses from the National Construction Alliance and Associated General Contractors to express surprise that this even existed! Odd, given that the program has been popular and thriving for the last 20 years and their members have, presumably, been the primary beneficiaries of the investments that have gone to such community-building transportation projects such as trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes.
While no fellow Republicans leaped immediately to the defense of the program, long-time cycling supporter Senator Cardin (D-MD) certainly did, and he was joined by Senator Boxer (D-CA) who noted that many of her constituents consider cycling and walking to be transportation. Given her role as Chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee, this was good news.
Commuters on a Transportation Enhancement project in Denver. Source: NTEC
Attention shifted to the House on Thursday. Representative John Mica (R-FL), chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced a series of dates and locations for field hearings on the next transportation bill. While there are a lot more details to come, we know for sure that its going to be important for our issues – i.e. continued investment in bicycling and walking transportation measures – to be raised at these hearings, and for those attending to know that there is a lot of public, business and public agency support for the programs that support these activities.
Concurrent with all this is an ongoing and slightly byzantine budget and appropriations process that will impact overall funding levels for transportation in the short term, and set the scene for longer-term transportation funding and policy. The America Bikes coalition – of which the League is obviously a part – is staying on top of all this, but it is a fast-moving and slightly bewildering process to try and follow from a distance. In the next month, there are probably going to be some action alerts and quick responses that are needed from cyclists around the country; we are continuing to encourage folks to meet with their members of Congress in their districts at this critical time – especially new members and new appointments to key committees. And we are looking forward to seeing many of you in Washington for the National Bike Summit in just a few weeks – where perhaps we can take stock of this current flurry of activity. It’s a lot to ask of state and local advocacy groups and individuals at a busy time for all of us – state legislatures are also back in session around the country and a lot of city and county agencies are struggling with difficult budget decisions at the same time – but all we can say is that we appreciate anything you can do to help amke the case for bicycling during this time…and this isn’t a drill, folks. The next month or so really is pretty crucial.
Which makes it really nice to have the support of key members of Congress like Senators Boxer and Cardin.
Andy Clarke League President
Clarke was appointed to the position of Executive Director in April of 2004 after successfully leading efforts to create, interpret and implement the various transportation programs that are available to improve conditions for bicycling and walking as the League’s State and Local Advocacy Director.
Today the Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, wrote on his blog: “I don’t think anyone who reads this blog doubts my enthusiasm for increasing Americans’ transportation options.”
Absolutely true.
Secretary LaHood meets with America Bikes; photos by Todd Solomon
Today he has once again demonstrated his commitment and enthusiasm for bicycling and walking. In his post, the Secretary described the meeting he held this week with AmericaBikes, the coalition of national bicycling advocacy group, including the League of American Bicyclists. He also cited two recent studies that we highlighted on our blog: 1. bike lanes create more jobs per $1 million than other road construction, and 2: Americans support active transportation infrastructure. It is great to have friends like this in Washington.
However, the Secretary also points out the limits of what he can do — “there’s a budget process, and there’s a surface transportation reauthorization process–and DOT does not control either.” His message is a good one for advocates all over the country: “participate in the process.” That is exactly what we are trying to do at the national level and what we are helping state and local advocates do. There is a lot of enthusiasm in the capitol to improve bicycling and walking in this country — and we’re committed to helping it spread. We hope that you will join us for the National Bike Summit, to do just that.
The caption on the Secretary's blog reads: "Listening to Andy Clarke"
Darren Flusche League Policy Analyst
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
The National Bike Summit is just 8 week away. (Register before Feb. 3rd and save $100!) Your voice is needed on Capitol Hill as much as ever. While the National Bike Summit brings cyclists together to discuss and push for bicycling at the federal level, an ever-growing number of state and local summits are making a difference across the country.
Missouri’s Bike/Ped Day at the Capitol 2011 will be February 1. Bicyclist and pedestrians will have the chance to speak with their legislators. Find out more.
Colorado’s Bicycle Summit will take place this February 7-8 in downtown Denver. Find out more and registernow.
South Dakota’s Bicycle Summit will be held January 21-22 in Fort Pierre. Friday is a meet and greet and Saturday is packed with presentations. Find out more here.
Florida Bicycle Association will be facilitating their third bike summit at the state capitol on March 24 in Tallahasse. Registration is free! Read more about the conference.
Iowa Bicycle Summit is January 28-29 in Des Moines. Antonio Rosell from Twin Cities Streets for People and Andy Clarke from the League of American Bicyclists will speak at this event.
Maryland’s 14th Annual Bicycle Symposium in Annapolis will be February 22. Find out more.
The 2011 New Jersey Bike and Walk Summit will be held on February 26 in Trenton. Register today.
Oregon Active Transportation Summit will be March 29-30 in Salem. Find out more.
Utah’s Bike Summit will be April 28-29. There is no link yet but check for updates at utahbikes.org.
The New York Regional Bicycling and Active Transportation Symposium that the Rochester Cycling Alliance is co-hosting with the Genesee Transportation Council will be April 27th. There is no link yet. Check Rochester Cycling Alliance for info.
One event that was absent from the e-newsletter that is worth bringing attention to is the 2011 Youth Bike Summit in New York City hosted by the great folks at Recycle-A-Bicycle. The event which runs January 14-16 “aims to inspire people from different educational disciplines to explore, network, and learn how bicycling can be a legitimate and safe form of transportation for today’s youth.” It’s inspiring to see such work dedicated to fostering the next generation of recreational cyclists, bike commuters and hopefully future bike advocates!
Do you know of another upcoming Bike Summit that wasn’t listed? Let us know! Are you thinking about hosting your own state, regional or local Summit? Check out our Bike Summit Guide for tips and ideas.
UPDATE: Our good friend Clarence of StreetFilms just alerted us to video from the Youth Bike Summit.
Jeff Peel State and Local Advocacy Coordinator
Peel joined the League in March 2008 as a Program Specialist for the Bicycle Friendly Communities program. Peel has a BA in American Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi.
As you may have heard, our nation had some elections on November 2th. And they resulted in dramatic changes in Congress. There’s been a lot of talk about what this will mean for bicycling. It’s too early to know for sure, but we know what we are going to do. We are going to get back to basics as we work with the 112th Congress and support local advocacy. It’s not going to be easy, but it has never been easy before, and as cyclists, we know that what is easiest is not necessarily what is best in the long run.
At the national level, the League of American Bicyclists is working with our partners in the America BikesCoalition to build new relationships in Congress and strengthen old ones. We are honing our message to explain the importance of bicycling to help meet our nation’s goals, such as economic development, health, the environment, and transportation. We will be looking for partners in the 112th Congress to champion these benefits.
One of the first opportunities will be the 11th annual National Bike Summit in March. Eight hundred bicycling advocates from across the country will meet with their members of Congress to educate them on the issue, introduce them to important legislation, and find ways to work together in the future. We look forward to new members from both parties joining the Congressional Bike Caucus. Bicycling is for everyone; it is not a partisan issue. What’s better than bi-partisanship? Bike-partisanship.
We are also focusing on state and local advocacy. Advocates need to be prepared to look for funding from the sources that have traditionally been used to fund bike projects and to make the case for other sources from which funds are available. With our friends at the Alliance for Biking & Walking, we are training advocates on how to access federal funding for bicycling and walking projects to complete Bicycle Master Plans, fund Complete Streets, improve safety, and meet other goals.
Investments in bicycling are cost effective and facilitate low-cost transportation, and they deserve their fair share, especially in a time of budget cuts and fiscal restraint. Therefore, we will also help advocates respond to threats to bicycling and pedestrian funding. Federal investments in biking and walking have steadily increased, as have bikinglevels. Bicycle projects and programs have been met with enthusiasm and support across the country and across party lines. With our coordinated effort, we will make sure that Members of Congress know how important biking and walking investments are to their constituents, so that they won’t abandon this progress.
The changes in Congress are real and come with a degree of uncertainty as to what to expect. But they are also a good opportunity to get re-energized, make some new friends, and prepare to defend our recent gains. Bicycling advocates have learned a lot since the first National Bike Summit in 2000. With this return to the fundamentals of organizing, the bicycling movement will become stronger and savvier still.
To get involved:
Sign up to receive League of American Bicyclists Advocacy Alerts
Write your Member of Congress to let them know you support initiatives that promote bicycling, and invite them to join you and your local advocacy organization or bike club for a ride, event, ribbon cutting, or ground breaking
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
LaHood created heartburn for highway advocates — and caused bicyclists to nearly swoon — when he blogged: “This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized.”
The National Association of Manufacturers fired back that the policy was “dumb . . . irresponsible” and “nonsensical for a modern industrial nation.”
Unfazed by the criticism, including the suggestion from a former GOP colleague in the House that he was on drugs, LaHood climbed onto a table at a convention of cyclists to reiterate his support for treating “walking and bicycling as equals with other transportation modes.”
Secretary LaHood’s table top speech at the National Bike Summit. (Photo by Jeffrey Martin)
Darren Flusche League Policy Analyst
Flusche joined the League in April 2009 and has a B.A. in history from Syracuse University and a Masters of Public Administration with a concentration in public policy analysis from New York University.
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