Bike Summit FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Information on Previous Summits
What has been achieved at past Summits?
Who have been previous keynote speakers?
Who have been previous special guests?
Who have been honored Congressional leaders?
Registration
How do I register for the Summit?
What do I have to do to get the member discount?
My organization or club is a member of the League but I’m not, do I get the member rate?
How do I find out what my membership number is?
Is it possible to register for just one day of the Summit?
How do I know what my congressional district is?
Are there scholarships available for the Summit?
How can I be sure that you received my registration?
What if I register and then have to cancel?
I can no longer attend the Summit. Is it possible to transfer my registration over to someone else?
Can I register onsite?
Conference Logistics
Where is the Summit held?
I’m trying to book my flight reservations. What time does the conference start/end?
Where should I stay? Are there any room blocks for Summit attendees?
What is the dress code for the Summit?
Is there Internet access at the Grand Hyatt?
What meals are provided as part of my registration?
Where can I get a detailed list of sessions and events?
Do I need to schedule my own Congressional meetings?
Do I need to know the issues in advance?
Where can I park my bike on the Hill? Downtown?
How can I get exhibitor space at the Summit?
Washington, D.C.
How do I get to D.C?
How do I get around D.C.?
Where can I find a D.C. bike map?
Where can I rent a bike for the week/weekend?
Where can I find a bike shop in D.C.?
What else is going on in D.C. that week?
I hear the cherry blossoms are gorgeous! Will they be in bloom during the Summit?
Where can I get a bite to eat?
Will I have time to visit the monuments and museums around the Mall?
What have past Summits achieved?
Due to our efforts at past Summits, we have established the Senate Bike Caucus and encouraged more than 200 House members to join Congressional Bike Caucus. We have visited to more than 350 House offices and more than 90 Senate offices annually, and introduced laws such as the Bicycle Commuter Act.
return to top
Who have been previous keynote speakers?
• Denmark's Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Friis Arne Petersen
• Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood
• Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
• Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN)
• Secretary of Transportation Norm Mineta
• Bogota, Colombia Mayor Enrique Penalosa
• Federal Highway Administrator Mary Peters
• EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman
• Washington, DC Mayor Anthony Williams
• AASHTO Executive Director John Horsley
return to top
Who have been previous special guests?
Special guests have included Linda Armstrong, Greg LeMond, and Ned Overend.
return to top
Who have been honored Congressional leaders?
• Senator Jim Jeffords (I-VT)
• Senator John Kerry (D-MA)
• Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME)
• Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)
• Representative John Olver (D-MA)
• Representative Tom Petri (R-WI)
return to top
How do I register for the Summit?
Click here.
return to top
What do I have to do to get the member discount?
In order to receive the member discount you must be a current League member. In order to join the League or to renew your membership, please visit the join or renew page.
return to top
My organization or club is a member of the League but I’m not, do I get the member rate?
Each club or organization that is an affiliated member of the League can register one Summit attendee at the special member rate. You can affiliate your club or organization at http://www.bikeleague.org/join/affiliate.php.
return to top
How do I find out what my membership number is?
If you have just signed up for a League membership, please note that it will take four to six weeks for your application to process and for you to receive your membership card and number. If you are a new member simply write “pending-summit” in the League Membership Number field of the registration form. If you are already a League member, your number is listed on your membership card and on your renewal forms. If you have questions regarding your membership status, please call us at (202) 822-1333, and we will be glad to assist you.
return to top
Is it possible to register for just one day of the Summit?
One-day registrations are accepted for the National Bike Summit. The cost for a one-day fee is $245 for members and non-members. You may choose to come for any of the three days, March 9, 10, or 11. Your badge/materials will only be valid for the day you indicate. There are no exceptions to this rule.
return to top
How do I know what my congressional district is?
You can find out your congressional district by entering your zip code here.
return to top
Are there scholarships available for the Summit?
While the League does not offer Summit scholarships, there is a League Member early bird rate of $375 through February 3, 2011.
How can I be sure that you received my registration?
Once we receive your paid registration, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive an email, please do not hesitate to contact us at 202-822-1333 or email bikeleague@bikeleague.org.
return to top
What if I register and then have to cancel?
All cancellations are subject to a $50 administrative fee prior to February 18, 2010. There are no refunds after February 18, 2010. In the event that you need to cancel your registration, please call us at 202-822-1333 in order to process your change and take payment of the fee. Note that no refunds will be accepted after Thursday, February 17, 2009.
return to top
I can no longer attend the Summit. Is it possible to transfer my registration over to someone else?
If you register and then realize that you can no longer attend, you may transfer your registration over to another individual. All you need to do to make this change is call our office and we will be happy to take care of it for you. A transfer simply involves submitting a new name and contact information for the new attendee in the place of the data we already have in place for you.
return to top
Can I register on-site?
On-site registrations will be accepted. Please note that the early bird rate will end on Thursday, February 4, 2009 and member and non-member regular registrations can be taken online until Thursday, March 3 2011. All registrations postmarked after Thursday, February 3 including those made on-site, will be subject to the regular rate. If you register after the cutt off date of March, 3, please register on site at the Grand Hyatt, Metro Center. In order to register on-site, look for the League registration area at the hotel and a League staff member will be sure to assist you.
return to top
Where is the Summit held?
This year's Summit will be held at the Grand Hyatt located near the Metro Center at 1000 H Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20001 and minutes from many of the city’s major attractions.
return to top
I am trying to make my flight reservations. What time does the conference start/end?
For those of you trying to determine when to arrive, the conference program officially begins on Tuesday, March 8 around 6 p.m. and ends on Thursday, March 10 at about 8 p.m. An optional Congressional Bike Caucus Ride will be on Friday, March 11 from about 8:30 am to 11 a.m. We will also offer a first-time attendees advocacy orientation on Tuesday evening. Pre-registration will also be available on Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
return to top
Where should I stay? Are there any room blocks for Summit attendees?
Room blocks have been made available at Sofitel and at the Holiday Inn. For information on these and other alternatives, visit the travel info page.
return to top
What is the dress code for the Summit?
When packing for the Summit please remember that you will be in Washington where people tend to dress more conservatively than most places. With that in mind, acceptable dress includes business casual for Tuesday and Wednesday, our days at the Grand Hyatt. When on the Hill Thursday, you must remember that you will be meeting with Senators and Representatives and their staff. The only appropriate dress for this day is business attire (suit and tie for men; dresses, suits or nice slacks/shirts for women).
return to top
Is there Internet access at the Grand Hyatt
There is wireless access in public areas for $9.95 per day and for free in guestrooms.
return to top
What meals are provided as part of my registration?
At the conference, you will receive a dinner Tuesday, continental breakfast Wednesday and a keynote luncheon, as well as a morning and afternoon break. Thursday includes light fare and refreshments at the evening reception. The rest of the time you will be on your own to explore some of the fine eateries that Washington has to offer!
return to top
Where can I get a detailed list of sessions and events?
The full conference program has not been finalized yet. The preliminary schedule and frequent updates are on the Summit schedule page.
return to top
Do I need to schedule my own Congressional meetings?
You will not need to make your own meetings, as League staff and appointed state contacts are hard at work coordinating the scheduling of appointments. When you pick up your registration packet at the Summit you will find a listing of your individual meetings as well of those of your full state delegation. Thursday, March 11 will be spent on Capitol Hill. Once again, plan to meet with your Senators and Representatives in business attire. If you are interested in being your state’s contact, contact Katie at katie@bikeleague.org or (202) 822-1333 x225.
return to top
Do I need to know the issues in advance?
Knowing the issues in advance is the key to successful meetings. Issue training will be provided via webinars prior to arriving in D.C. and again on Wednesday afternoon at the Summit. E-mail Katie if you need information and/or to sign-up for the webinars. You’ll also have the chance to coordinate your message with others from your state. As the Summit nears you can also look for issue papers on www.bikeleague.org. If this is your first Summit, please plan to join us for Advocacy Orientation on Tuesday.
return to top
Where can I park my bike on the Hill? Downtown?
The Capitol Hill police will not permit locking your bicycle anywhere on the Hill except at designated bike racks. They can be found in front of the Rayburn building.
Bicycle parking in downtown D.C. is easier: You are allowed to lock your bike to any pole, as long as you don't impede traffic or pedestrians. There are also bike racks, and you can lock to any parking meter. It is illegal to park within 25 feet of an intersection or in a bus stop. We don't recommend "lean locking" or affixing your bike to an unstable object. It is best to bring two locks or two types of locks if your bike will be outside for any length of time. Secure both wheels, your saddle and seat post, and never leave a bicycle outside over night.
return to top
How can I get exhibitor space at the Summit?
We offer exhibitor space at the Grand Hyatt to Summit sponsors at the $5,000 level and above. For information on sponsoring, click here or contact Katie Omberg at katie@bikeleague.org or (202) 822-1333 x225.
return to top
How do I get to D.C.?
Washington, D.C. is accessible via three airports. For information on the airports and other ways of arriving, please visit our travel page.
return to top
How do I get around D.C.?
Washington has an excellent public transportation system that is relatively bike-accessible. Thanks to the work of our friends at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), all buses in Washington are now equipped with bike racks allowing for excellent Bike-'N-Ride access. In addition, bicycles are permitted on Metrorail (limited to two bicycles per car) weekdays except 7 a.m. -10 a.m. and 4 p.m. -7 p.m. Bicycles are permitted all day Saturday and Sunday as well as most holidays (limited to four bicycles per car). To learn about the Metro, visit www.wmata.com. There you will find a map as well as information about taking bikes on Metro.
return to top
Where can I find a D.C. bike map?
The Web site for the Washington Area Bicyclist Association is an excellent resource for determining how to get around the D.C. area by bike. Bike maps as well as a point-to-point commuter assistance program will help you in planning your route around the city.
return to top
Where can I rent a bike for the week/weekend?
If you want to rent a bike exclusively for the Congressional Bike Caucus ride on Friday, March 12, you may do so by selecting that option when you register for the Summit, or you may contact Walter Finch at walter@bikeleague.org. If you are looking to get a bike for other days, Bike the Sites offers daily rentals. Additionally, Capital Bike Share offers rentals by increments of 30 minutes. The first 30 are free!
return to top
Where can I find a bike shop in D.C.?
Regardless of where you stay in the city or beyond, a bike shop is never far away.
Use the Find It feature on the League Web site for a full listing of area bike shops.
return to top
What else is going on in D.C. that week?
A full listing of cultural and non-Summit related events can be found in the Washington Post's Entertainment Guide, the Cultural Tourism DC events page and the DC Chamber of Commerce Web site.
return to top
I hear the cherry blossoms are gorgeous! Will they be in bloom during the Summit?
There is no guarantee that you will be in town in time for peak bloom. Each year is very different, depending on the winter and then the spring weather conditions. The National Park Service has a site with all the information that you will need about the blossoms, including past trends and maps of the tidal basin area trees.
return to top
Where can I get a bite to eat?
The Washington Post's Entertainment Guide is a great source for all your entertainment needs. Need a bite to eat on the Hill in between meetings? Looking for a restaurant close to the Trade Center for dinner Wednesday night? This is your best bet.
return to top
Will I have time to visit the monuments and museums around the Mall?
Although there is no specific time in the schedule set aside for touring we highly encourage you to check out the sites while you are in Washington. The Smithsonian museums are well within walking distance of the International Trade Center, the Hilton Garden Inn, the J.W. Marriot, as well as the Capitol Building.
If you have space between Hill meetings on Thursday you could always visit the nearby National Gallery of Art, the Botanical Garden Conservatory or the National Museum of the American Indian.
In addition, the Washington Tourmobile offers a Washington-by-night tour so you can fit sightseeing in after your action-packed conference days. Another great touring option is offered by Bike the Sites. Call them to tour this bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community, and the home of the League of American Bicyclists, by bike. Of course, you may also do any or all of this by extending your stay in the Washington area.
return to top
National Bike Summit 
