Think Bike 2007 - National Bike Summit

Thursday, 15 March 2007, I got the opportunity to experience cycling on a new level - standing up for cyclists on Capitol Hill!

Every year, the League of American Bicyclists hosts a National Bike Summit in Washinton, D.C. to rally all types of cyclist (riders, club leaders, industry representatives, and local bike shop owners / employees) for a focused legislative push of current cycling needs.

Past National Bike Summit efforts have achieved everything from gaining cycling recognition as worthy of legislative attention to obtaining funding for implementation of the Safe Routes to School Program.

This year, as a part of East Coasters Bicycle's Advocacy Efforts and the support of Bikes Belong, I was able to join delegates from across Virginia as well as the country to educate our legislative representatives and ask for their support with current national cycling issues.

Hot Topics for 2007 included:

1) Funding the Conserve by Bicycling Program - In 2005, a program was approved to study the overall impact of shifting car trips to bicycle trips in various communities around the nation. Although the program was approved, funding was neglected and has been pursued since.

2) Supporting the Bicycle Commuter Tax Benefit Act - 'Clean Commute' legislation has already been enacted and supports tax relief and other benefits to employees and employers of mass transit, and car & van pool users. Unfortunately, the term 'bicycle' was left out of the wording at the time. The Bicycle Commuter Tax Benefit Act strives to extend the definition of transportation to include bicycles. Thus, bicycle commuters would be able to receive the same benefits as other 'clean commuters.' Link here, courtesy of League of American Cyclists, to get more information and contact your representatives to show support for the Bicycle Commuter Tax Benefit Act.

3) Protecting Trails and Helping Trail Partners - IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) had a two headed push this year. First, IMBA is promoting land preservation methods that allow for bicycle access rather than tradional Wilderness designation which excludes bicycle access. In particular to Virginia, IMBA calling for support of the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act of 2007. Second, IMBA is calling for the restoration of higher funding levels for the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program. The RTCA program uses matching funding to create and protect riverways and wildlife habitat, trail and greenway networks, and open green space.

All in all, the National Bike Summit was an exciting and successful event. Although Senators and Representatives were not always available to directly speak with Summit attendees, the congressional staffers of our representatives showed true interest and concern for our requests. In just the day and a one half I was able to attend, I saw a enormous cycling presence convene on Capitol Hill and have an immensely positive influence on our nation's leaders. The Summit was a whole new aspect of cycling advocacy to me, and one in which I hope to continue participating. So remember, Think Bike for 2007!

(photo's courtesy of www.bikeportland.org )