The League of American Bicyclists notes that bicycle commuting is booming nationwide across the US, with more than 60% growth since 2000. Already more than 1 in 5 Americans live in a ‘Bicycle Friendly Community’ and more than 1 million workers are employed by a ‘Bicycle Friendly Business’.
Hosted by the League of American Bicyclists on 3-5 March – the National Bike Summit will bring the momentum for a Bicycle Friendly America from the streets of many hundreds of US towns and cities to the halls of Congress.
With another transportation bill looming, hundreds of bike advocates, industry leaders and cycling enthusiasts will gather in Washington, DC, next week to unite the voices of bicyclists on Capitol Hill.
Mobilizing behind the theme – ‘United Spokes: Moving Beyond Gridlock’ – next week’s summit will feature top transportation, government and political leaders including:
- Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
- Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ)
- Jack Wells, Chief Economist, U.S. Department of Transportation
- Texas Sen. Rodney Ellis
- Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto
- Phillip Darnton, Executive Director, Bicycle Association of Great Britain
“The National Bike Summit unites an increasingly diverse and bipartisan movement around a single idea: the bicycle is a simple solution to many complex problems,” said League President, Andy Clarke. “We’re focused on telling that story more effectively, sharing winning strategies to end political gridlock, and ensuring the benefits of bicycling can be enjoyed by all in society.”
This year, the Summit comes at a key moment – as Congress begins work on the next federal transportation bill, which directs billions in spending on the US nation’s infrastructure. But that’s not all. Also before Congress, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Act would enhance safety for people who walk and bike by setting a national goal to reduce fatalities; while the Safe Streets Act would ensure that ‘roads are built with all users in mind’.
Members of the US House of Representatives are also considering a ground-breaking bipartisan bill, introduced by Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ), focused on bike equity and building infrastructure in underserved communities.
“Transportation trends are changing – and we need a transportation system built for the future, not the past,” said Caron Whitaker, the League’s Vice President of Government Relations.
“As more young Americans put off getting a license, more families choose to live downtown, and older Americans choose to age in place, we’re asking Congress to pass a bill that creates safe, affordable and healthy transportation choices for all.”
Now in its third year, the Summit will also include the National Women’s Bicycling Forum, which will showcase the leadership and innovation of more than two dozen female leaders from across the US. Speakers will include:
- Shannon Galpin, a 2013 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and founder of Mountain2Mountain
- Terry O’Neill, president of the National Organization for Women
- Shellie Pfohl, Executive Director, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition
- Lela Rose, internationally known fashion designer and city cycling icon
- Leah Flickinger, Executive Editor of Bicycling magazine
“In 2009, only 24% of bike trips in the United States were taken by women – but that trend is shifting,” said Carolyn Szczepanski, Director of the League’s Women Bike program. “The Women’s Forum is both the hub and catalyst for the incredible energy and potential of getting more women on bikes in communities nationwide.”
The National Bike Summit and National Women’s Bicycling Forum will be held at the Renaissance Washington (999 9th Street NW, Washington, DC) on 3-4 March, and moves to Capitol Hill on Wednesday 5 March.
Onsite registration will be available for participants and media representatives are invited to attend.
The League of American Bicyclists is ‘leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. As leaders, our commitment is to listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful, unified voice for change.’
