National Bike Summit
At the 2008 National Bike Summit, we will continue the ambitious effort to advance a vision for America that promotes the idea that bicycling has a role to play in meeting our nation’s transportation, health, energy, and environmental goals.
The Summit will be held at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center.
At a time when our nation, our cities, and individuals across the country are crying out for solutions to climate change, energy dependence, the obesity epidemic, air pollution, and congestion, you would think that bicycling would be rising to the fore as a practical, viable and welcome solution. Instead, we find there are still many significant obstacles, such as having to defend the very rights of cyclists to be on the road, to overcome before bicycling can break through as a mainstream transportation mode.
We need to raise the level of discussion about bicycling to the point where it is seen as being in the public interest, not just a narrow special interest, to promote the activity for transportation, recreation, and health. To do that, we need YOU to join us at the 2008 National Bike Summit to call on Congress to adopt a Statement of National Purpose that embraces the vision that bicycling plays a role in keeping our population fit and healthy and ensures them an overall improved quality of living.
** Please note the following change in hotel information. In lieu of the Capitol Hilton, we now have rooms blocked at the Hilton Washington, 1919 Connecticut Avenue NW,
Washington, D.C.
Tel: 202-483-3000
Fax: 202-232-0438.
Rates are single/double: $249/$269
Also, please be aware that the cut-off dates for room block rates are as follows:
Hilton Washington: Feb. 2
Sofitel: Feb. 4
Holiday Inn Rosslyn/Key Bridge: Feb. 5
Registration & Orientation
12 P.m. Ride to the Summit from the Airport (National)
Are you interested in going car-free on your National Bike Summit trip to Washington D.C.? Show Washington how we embrace "the last mile" on our bikes. Join a group of Summit participants, including a member of the League Board, for a ride from Reagan National Airport on March 4 at 12 p.m. to the site of the Summit. All bike riders are encouraged and welcome. If your plans already have you in Washington before noon on Tuesday, ride out to the Airport and join us: it is just 3.5 miles from the Reagan International Trade Center. Bike Friday is sponsoring and organizing this ride, so interested riders should contact Paul Adkins at Bike Friday for more on logistics.
3 p.m. - 6 P.m. Registration Opens (Atrium Ballroom Foyer)
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. League Board Meeting
Open to members and interested parties!
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 P.m. Orientation for first-time Attendees (Meridian DE)
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 advocacy orientation. Andy Clarke, League of American Bicyclists, and others will walk you through what to expect and how to get the most out of the Summit and your Congressional meetings.
6 p.m. - 8:30 P.m. Opening Keynote Dinner (Atrium Ballroom)
• Keynote Speaker: Mary Bomar, National Park Service Director
In response to many suggestions from Summit attendees, we will kick off this year’s National Bike Summit on Tuesday, March 4, with a keynote dinner. This will allow attendees to enjoy a relaxed and fun evening prior to embarking on a full day of educational workshops and advocacy issue training on Wednesday.
Sessions & Networking
7 a.m. Registration And Continental Breakfast (Ampitheater Foyer)
8 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. General Session: What to Expect in the Next Transportation Reathorization (AmpHitheater)
• Greetings from Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
Mr. John Horsley, Executive Director, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and Mr. William Millar, President, American Public Transportation Association (APTA) join America Bikes Board Members to share their perspective on the challenges and opportunities that will exist during the next reauthorization process.
9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Breakout Sessions
The 100 Year Vision for Parks and Public Lands: The Future of our National Parks and Federal Lands (Meridian C)
Two back-to-back workshops will include participation from federal land management agencies and user groups. The goal is to begin to develop a framework for federal agencies to work closer together, begin developing broad legislative language and begin to lay out the ideal Centennial Vision.
Promoting Cyclists’ Rights – Responsibilities and Protection under the LaW (Hemisphere A)
MODERATOR: Amanda Eichstaedt, President, League
PANELISTS:
The Honorable Tommy Wells, Council Member, D.C.
Bob Mionske, Founder of BicycleLaw.com
Eleanor McMahon, President, McMahon Communications
A national strategy to promote bicycling must address the legal status of bicyclists and the protection they are afforded by laws and the entire judicial system. That strategy must also reverse the trend of ever-more distracted/unfit drivers on our roads and the blind eye we collectively turn to them. Panelists will discuss how this national need can be translated into state and local action.
Putting the Green in GrassRoots: Engaging the Community (Meridian DE)
PANELISTS:
Brad Fitch, CEO, Knowledgis Technologies
Steven E. Miller, Vice-Chair, Cambridge Bicycle Committee
Corinne Winter, Executive Director, Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition
One of the most powerful things we can do to advance America’s journey to embrace bicycling is to actively engage residents, business leaders, and elected officials at the local level. This panel will showcase strategies, technology, and leadership initiatives that elevate and amplify our message.
Rethinking Transportation & The Role of Bicycling in World Class Cities (Hemisphere B)
MODERATOR: Paul White, Executive Director, Transportation Alternatives, New York City
PANELISTS:
The Honorable Sam Adams, Portland City Commissioner
The Honorable J.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis (Invited)
There is a fundamental shift occurring in transportation. The future of travel demands will be fundamentally different for reasons such as climate change, rising fuel prices, increased congestion, and health and fitness concerns. A number of large U.S. Cities have announced initiatives to address these issues that incorporate bicycling as an integral part of daily life.
10:45 a.m. Break (AmpHitheater Lobby)
11:15 a.m. Breakout Sessions
The 100 Year Vision for Parks and Public Lands: The future of our National Parks and Federal Lands (Meridian C)
Two back-to-back workshops will include participation from federal land management agencies and user groups. The goal is to begin to develop a framework for federal agencies to work closer together, begin developing broad legislative language and begin to lay out the ideal Centennial Vision.
Improving Flexibility in State Transportation Finance (Meridian DE)
MODERATOR: Randy Neufeld, President, America Bikes
PANELIST: Douglas Shinkle, Policy Associate, National Conference of State Legislatures
How can states take more control of their destiny with regards to building bicycling infrastructure? On four separate occasions over the past two years, the federal government has required states to return federal transportation funding that was un-obligated. This process has resulted in disproportionate cuts to major sources of funding for bicycle facilities and communities across the county. However, some states have transcended this problem, and are doing a better job of responding to the need to fund bicycle related projects.
Safe Routes to Schools (Hemisphere B)
MODERATOR: Deb Hubsmith, Safe Routes to School National Partnership
PANELISTS:
Tim Arnade, Federal Highway Administration
Robert Ping, Safe Routes to School National Partnership
Lauren Marchetti, National Center for Safe Routes to School
Tim Torma, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Participants will learn how the Federal Program will present on SRTS outcomes to Congress; the latest about state progress on SRTS; evaluation tools; how to form a SRTS state network to leverage additional resources; and how local and state regulations about school siting affect if students even if they have the ability to walk or bicycle to schools. This workshop will also feature guidelines for gathering success stories about SRTS and planning Congressional visits to highlight the program in action. There will also be an opportunity for questions and discussion about local and state successes and challenges.
Connecting Trails and Transportation in a Bicycle Friendly America (Hemisphere A)
MODERATOR: Elizabeth Train, Bikes Belong
PANELISTS:
Bill Nesper, Director, BFC Program
Carol Potter, Executive Director, Mountain Trails Foundation, UT
Mike Dulin, IMBA, Louisville, KY
Drew VanKat, IMBA, Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance
The Bicycle Friendly Community program (BFC) is inspiring action to transform communities and take advantage of the amazing benefits of bicycling. Panelists will discuss the latest developments in the BFC Program, especially the integration of mountain biking in the program criteria, efforts to help communities enhance connections between recreation and transportation, and creating a more comprehensive bicycle-friendly America.
12:45 P.m. - 2:15 P.M. Keynote Luncheon (Atrium Ballroom)
The Honorable Adrian Fenty, Mayor, District of Columbia
The Honorable Greg Nickels, Mayor, Seattle, WA (Invited)
Mayor Nickels has been a passionate advocate of providing alternatives to driving and has successfully implemented innovative ideas in Seattle to make it safer to bicycle. He is also a national leader in the effort to address global climate change and works closely with the local cycling community in Seattle through his recently launched Climate Action Now campaign”. Mayor Nickels is also very active in the US Conference of Mayors and will be their Vice President in 2008 and President in 2009.
2:30 P.m. - 3:45 P.M. Breakout Sessions
Elections 2008: What Role Can We Play (Hemisphere B)
MODERATOR: Stephanie Vance
The Congressional elections of 2008 provide a great opportunity to educate national leaders on the importance of developing a national bicycling strategy. This panel will provide valuable insight on what we in the bicycling community can do to get bike issues on the candidate’s platforms. Discussions will include; reaching out to the media; candidate surveys; volunteering on campaigns, what non-profit organizations can and cannot do.
Growing Non-Motorized Infrastructure & Local Financing Strategies (Meridian C)
PANELIST: The Honorable Chris Koos, Mayor, Normal, Ind.
As federal and state transportation budgets continue to be constrained, what can be done at the local level to finance bicycle facilities? A number of initiatives have been undertaken to support state and local efforts to stimulate investments in alternative transportation. This panel will highlight a number of those initiatives.
Getting More People Riding/Two Mile Challenge (Meridian DE)
MODERATOR: Tim Blumenthal, Executive Director, Bikes Belong
PANELISTS:
Linda Ginenthal, Smart Trips Manager, Portland DOT
Jeff Johnson, Director of Brand Experience, Clif Bar
Nate Kvamme, Humana Health Care
The greatest potential for increased bicycle usage is in our major urban areas, where 40 percent of trips are 2 miles or less and 28 percent are just 1 mile or less. This session will highlight programs and initiatives that are addressing the mode shift challenge.
Complete Streets (Hemisphere A)
MODERATOR: Barbara McCann
PANELISTS:
Randy Neufeld, Chicagoland Bicycle Federation
David Hiller, Advocacy Director, Cascade Bicycle Club
Walt Seifert, Executive Director, Sacramento Area Bicyclists Association (invited)
This session will highlight some of the most recent successes at the state and local level to include safe bicycling and walking facilities in all projects in urbanized areas. There are also a number of efforts being undertaken at the federal level that we will highlight.
3:45 P.m. Break (AmpHitheater Lobby)
4:15 P.m. - 5 P.m. Issue & Advocacy Training (AmpHitheater)
SPEAKER: Stephanie Vance, AdVanced Consulting
Summit participants will visit their members of Congress on Thursday with a strong agenda. The issue training will show attendees how to speak about cycling and a national bicycling strategy, while also asking for specific support for our national strategy, and your local ones.
5 P.m. - 6 P.M. State Delegation Coordination (AMPHITHEATER)
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.
6 P.m. - 7 P.m. IMBA Final Wrap Up (Meridian C)
6:30 P.m. - 8 P.M. League Annual Meeting (AmpHitheater)
The League is pleased to be hosting our annual membership meeting in conjunction with the National Bike Summit. Featuerd Speaker: Bob Mionske, two time Olympian, former U.S. National Champion, and creater of BicycleLaw.com. 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.
Capitol Hill Day
8 a.m. - 9 A.M. Breakfast and Rally (Rayburn House Office Building Room B340)
We'll start the day off right with a rousing breakfast and an inspiring speech at the Rayburn House Office Building featuring several congressmen.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Congressional meetings throughout the day (Capitol Hill) (The League will coordinate these meetings)
OR
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Alternate Session – Bicycle Friendly Communities Workshop Training
(at the International Trade Center, Meridian C)
For Summit participants who are not lobbying, this workshop will examine the League's Bicycle Friendly Community program and discuss the different aspects of applying to become a BFC.
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Congressional Reception (Senate Dirksen Office Building SD-G50)
Come meet your Senators and Representatives, chat with bicycling experts from around the country, and enjoy the hospitality of the National Bike Summit.
Congressional Bike Ride
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 A.M. Congressional Bike Ride (Garfield Circle, Capitol Hill)
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. 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.
