National Bike Summit

Think: Bike!

Bicycling advocates and industry leaders have a remarkable opportunity in 2007 with the 110th Congress. New leadership in Washington is ushering in an era of public interest politics, and our issues are squarely in the public interest. Long-time allies are in new positions of power, and the bike-partisan agenda continues to ignite passion on both sides of the aisle.

Come to the 2007 National Bike Summit and share your passion for cycling. Help Congress see that the solution to climate change, health care and energy independence is right in front of them! Help them Think: Bike.

The National Bike Summit's lead sponsor is Bikes Belong, and is also sponsored by IMBA, Adventure Cycling, NBDA, WABA, and the National MS Society.

All events take place at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, except Thursday's meetings and reception, both of which are on Capitol Hill. The agenda below is current as of today.

Registration & Orientation

Tuesday, March 13

5 p.m. Registration Opens
Meridian Suites Lobby

7 p.m. Advocacy Orientation for first-time Attendees
Meridian d&E

If this is your first time in Washington, or you need a refresher on how things work in this town, plan on attending this informal and enjoyable advocacy orientation. Old-timers Andy Clarke, League of American Bicyclists; Gary Sjoquist, Bikes Belong and Quality Bicycle Products; and Jenn Dice, IMBA, will walk you through what to expect and how to get the most out of the Summit and your Congressional meetings.

Sessions & Networking

Wednesday, March 14

7 a.m. Registration Opens
Ampitheater Lobby

8 a.m. Think: Bike! Opening Plenary
Ampitheater

• Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
• Rodney Slater, Partner, Patton Boggs, and former U.S. Secretary of Transportation
• Tyler Duvall, Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, U.S. DOT
• Lynn Scarlett, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior

In 1994, then-FHWA Administrator Rodney Slater presented the National Bicycling and Walking Study to Congress. The report included twin goals of doubling the percentage of trips made by bicycling and walking while simultaneously reducing crashes involving these two modes by ten percent. In an inspiring opening session, we’ll explore the impact of the NBWS and discuss how interagency leadership can reinvigorate efforts to encourage more people to bicycle on and off the road.

9:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions

Shifting Gears on Climate Change
Hempisphere A

• Moderator: Randy Neufeld, Chicagoland Bicycle Federation

• Panelists: Theo Petritsch, Sprinkle Consulting; James Koski, Deputy Chief of Staff, Congressman Blumenauer’s Office.

This workshop will highlight a study conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation, which is similar in scope to the Conserve by Bicycling Program authorized by the 2005 Energy Policy Act. We will also hear from House and Senate staff on the realities of funding the Conserve by Bicycling program and passing the long-awaited Bicycle Commuter Act to extend commuter tax benefits to bicyclists.

IMBA's Federal Access Agenda & Field Updates
Meridian C

• Panelists: Mike Van Abel, Executive Director, IMBA; Jenn Dice, Government Affairs Director, IMBA; IMBA field advocates

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) works to improve trail experiences for mountain bikers everywhere. Hear IMBA staff discuss highlights from the current federal access agenda, including new approaches to roadless areas and wilderness preservation, a growing partnership with the National Park Service, and maintaining a strong presence in D.C.

Bicycling: Good for You and the Health Community!
Hempisphere B

• Moderator: Preston Tyree, Board Member, League of American Bicyclists

• Panelists: Richard Bender (invited), Legislative Assistant, Senator Tom Harkin’s (D-IA) Office; Betty Ross, National Director Campaign Development MS150; Amanda Thompson, Planning Officer, City of Decatur, Ga.

Everyone knows bicycling is good for you and good for the community – but just how good is it and how do you quantify those impacts? Senator Harkin is promoting legislation to increase physical activity; and the City of Decatur is embarking on Health Impact Assessments to determine the impact of their plans and policies on health. Meanwhile, an incredible amount of medical research into diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis is funded directly by bicyclists – a contribution that is rarely recognized or calculated.

We Don’t Get No Respect: An Agenda for Traffic Justice
Meridian D&E

• Moderator: Amanda Eichstaedt, President, League of American Bicyclists

• Panelists: Ed Barsotti, League of Illinois Bicyclists; Charlie Komanoff, Traffic Justice Institute; Imre Szauter, Legislative Affairs Specialist,
American Motorcycle Association

Like it or not, a lot of people are too intimidated to ride in traffic. Even though bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers, it doesn’t always feel like it. Cyclists are not alone – more than 5,000 bicyclists and pedestrians were killed in crashes on our roads in 2005, as were more than 4,500 motorcyclists. Panelists will present ways in which they are seeking greater traffic justice – and how terrible tragedy can be a catalyst for change.

11:15 a.m. Breakout Sessions

The Future of Surface Transportation Funding
Hempisphere A

• Moderator: Walter Finch, League of American Bicyclists

• Panelists: Jack Schenendorf, Vice-Chairman, National Surface Transportation Policy & Revenue Study Commission and Former Chief of Staff to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Anne Canby, President, Surface Transportation Policy Partnership; Robert DeHaan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, USDOT

Reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU is already underway – and the big question is “How will we pay for it”? The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Commission was established in 2005 to examine not only the condition and future needs of the nation's surface transportation system, but also short and long-term alternatives to replace or supplement the fuel tax as the principal revenue source to support the Highway Trust Fund over the next 30 years. Panelists will share their perspectives on the implications for bicyclists of different outcomes of this debate, and the immediate impact of rescissions and funding limitations on today’s projects.

Achieving Land Preservation AND Bicyclist Access
Meridian C

• Panelists: Jill Van Winkle, Trails Specialist, IMBA; Chris Scott, President, Shenandoah Mountain Touring; Dan Grunig, Executive Director, Bicycle Colorado

You’d probably rather ride through a beautiful forest than an industrial area, but land preservation is often achieved at the expense of bicyclists. Learn why bikes should be part of a protected landscape and how IMBA is trying to change the discourse on roadless areas and wilderness preservation.

Safe Routes to School: Diversifying our partners and the communities we serve
Meridian D&E

• Moderator: Deb Hubsmith, coordinator, Safe Routes to Schools National Partnership

• Panelists: Melody Geraci, Chicagoland Bicycle Federation; Mark Plotz, Program Manager, National Center for Bicycling and Walking; Scott Bricker, Policy Director, Bicycle Transportation Alliance; Denise Delorie, SRTS Program Assistant, Bicycle Coalition of Maine; John Waterman, Programs to Educate all Cyclists

This workshop, coordinated by the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, will provide an overview of the Partnership’s new SRTS State Network project, and how it is broadening the diversity of groups and individuals involved with local and state programs. In addition, the Partnership’s Diverse Communities Committee will offer a presentation on how SRTS is working in urban settings, rural communities, and for students with disabilities, as well as existing and needed resources.

Broadening our Base with Complete Streets
Hemisphere B

• Moderator: Barbara McCann, National Complete Streets Coalition Consultant

• Panelists: Art Guzzetti, Director of Policy and Advocacy, American Public Transportation Association; Brewster Thackarey, AARP Senior Project Manager, Livable Communities; Julie Ward, Disability Policy Collaboration; Eric Gilliland, Executive Director, Washington Area Bicyclist Association.

Complete streets policies are being adopted in communities all across the country. They are capturing the imagination of transit agencies that see a new avenue to improve transit service and work with the bicyclists and pedestrians who use the bus and train. Other powerful constituencies interested in working with bicycle advocates include the AARP and disability advocates. Come to this session to learn what they are bringing to the table and how they can empower your efforts locally and nationally.

12:45 P.m. Keynote Luncheon
Atrium

• Emeka C. Moneme, Director, District DOT, District of Columbia
• The Honorable Jerry E. Abramson, Mayor of Louisville, Ky.
• Chris Fortune, President, Saris Cycling Group

Jerry Abramson, the mayor of Louisville, Ky., and his staff have set aggressive goals for becoming a gold-level bicycle friendly community, and achieved bronze status in 2006—two years ahead of schedule. Find out how your community, and the country, can learn from Louisville.

2:30 P.m. Breakout Sessions

Where Are we with the Non-Motorized Pilot Project?
Meridian C

• Moderator: John Fegan, Program Manager, Bike/Ped, U.S. DOT

• Panelists: Marianne Fowler, Senior V.P. Federal Relations, Rails to Trails Conservancy; Ben Rasmussen, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

SAFETEA-LU set aside $100 million for four communities to demonstrate the impact of different policies and programs on increasing bicycle and pedestrian use. Get an update from the communities and learn more about which important factors are being evaluated, expected outcomes, timing for information sharing, lessons learned and what this all means for other communities around the country.

Health, Wealth and Freedom: The Very Tangible Benefits of Bicycling and the Bicycle Industry
Hempisphere B

• Panelists: Jean Francois Pronovost, Executive Director, Velo Quebec; Frank Hugelmeyer, President, Outdoor Industry Association; Carol Potter, Director, Mountain Trails Foundation; Laird Knight (invited), President, Granny Gear Productions

In August, the Province of Quebec will officially open La Route Verte, a 3,000 km network of trails, shoulders and low volume roads for bicyclists that is already attracting millions of dollars of business every year. Discover how this project was completed in just ten years. Learn how big of a business mountain biking is in towns better known for skiing. And when you visit the Hill, remember that bicycling is part of a massive economic powerhouse: the outdoor industry.

Looking Beyond Federal Funding for Bicycling and Trail Projects
Hempisphere A

• Moderator: Mohammed Nouri, Assistant Director, Metro Louisville Planning and Design

• Panelists: Jason Jordan, Center for Transportation Excellence; Mary Lou Northern, Senior Advisor to the Mayor, Louisville, Ky.; Earl Jones, Louisville Bicycle Task Force Chair.

Panelists will share strategies on how to realize the vision of building a bicycle friendly community without relying on just the transportation enhancement or recreational trails program. They will share best practices on how to involve the community to secure resources, and discuss how to promote bicycle projects through state and local ballot measures. A case in point: in just a couple of years, the Louisville region has raised more than $50 million towards an $80 million 21st Century Parks program that will deliver miles of trail and roadway improvements.

Where are the Numbers?
Meridian D&E

• Panelist: Jeff Olson, R.A., Alta Planning + Design, Robert J. Schneider, AICP Transportation Planner, Toole Design Group

One of the greatest challenges facing the bicycle and pedestrian field is the lack of documentation on usage and demand. Without accurate and consistent demand and usage figures, it is difficult to measure the positive benefits of investments in these modes, especially when compared to the other transportation modes such as the private automobile. Panelists will discuss what can, and is being done to address this important issue.

4:15 P.m. Issue Training
Ampitheater

Summit participants will visit their members of Congress on Thursday with three items: an agenda for Climate Change, an agenda for a Healthier Nation, and an agenda for Access to great riding. The issue training will weave together these topics under the umbrella of a national bicycling strategy, while also explaining the details of specific legislative proposals.

5 P.m. State Delegation Coordination

This is the session where you plan your route for Hill visits the following day; agree on who’s going to which meetings; and practice who says what to whom during the meetings. Don’t miss this important opportunity to connect with colleagues from your state – and make sure you leave the best impression possible with your states’ Representatives and Senators.

5:45 P.m. Close

6:30 P.m. League Annual Meeting
Ampitheater

New this year! The League is pleased to be hosting our annual membership meeting in conjunction with the National Bike Summit. Come and find out what else the League does beside the Summit! Meet the board and staff, and mingle with fellow League members. We’ll have a short program and entertaining speaker as well as light refreshments – even some desserts.

Capitol Hill Day

Thursday, March 15

8 a.m. Breakfast and Rally

We'll start the day off right with a rousing breakfast and an inspiring speech at the Rayburn House Office Building (in room B340) featuring Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN).

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Congressional meetings throughout the day (The League will coordinate these meetings)

OR

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Alternate Session – U.S. Bike Routes
Oceanic Suites A/B

• Moderator: Richard Moeur, P.E., Arizona Department of Transportation

• Panelists: Jim Sayer, Adventure Cycling, Jean Francois Pronovost, Executive Director, Velo Quebec, Ginny Sullivan, Adventure Cycling

For Summit participants who are not lobbying, this workshop will examine the value of developing a national U.S. bike route system; the process; where we are now; how states can participate; and how this program ties in with a national strategy.

5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Congressional Reception (Caucus Room, Russell Senate Office Building SR-325)

Come meet your Senators and Representatives, chat with bicycling experts from around the country, and enjoy the hospitality of the National Bike Summit.

National Bicycling Strategy Session

Friday, March 16

8 a.m. Working Breakfast
Ballroom - 2nd Floor

9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Closing Plenary: National Bicycling Strategy Session
Ballroom - 2nd Floor

• Keynote: Dr. John Pucher, Rutgers University

This session is where the entire Summit comes together. We will identify, both collectively and individually, the specific action items we will pursue in 2007, to achieve our Congressional agenda, and move us closer to the loftier goals of our movement.

To help with that process, we've asked the Shimano Coasting team to present their program: their new bikes and the enlightening research about the retail and riding experience people are wanting. Leaders of the America Bikes coalition will provide a brief response with their perspective on what the Shimano initiative might mean for their particular groups. Summit participants will then discuss the issues in small groups to identify action items that can be implemented in 2007, and beyond.

Professor John Pucher of Rutgers University, will close out the session with an inspirational presentation on his research comparing where we are with other countries and what we need to do to catch up.

1:30 P.m. Congressional Bike & Senate Bike Caucus Ride
(will end by 4 p.m.)

Hosted by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, this ride is always a highlight of the National Bike Summit. Meet at Grant Memorial (Union Square) in front of Capitol. Meet at the southwest front of the Capitol. Pedal around historic Washington, DC and our national monuments with Summit attendees, the Congressional Bike Caucus, and staff. The ride ends in the same place. There are bikes available to rent, and the weather is usually lovely, so plan to bike. There will be a happy hour afterward, for those who can stay.