FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 26, 2005
Contact: Andy Clarke
League of American Bicyclists
Phone: 202-822-1333
Email: andy@bikeleague.org

SECRETARY MINETA TO ADDRESS NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT®

Washington, DC -- The League of American Bicyclists is pleased to announce that U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta will deliver the keynote address to the National Bike Summit® in Washington, DC on Wednesday, March 16. “As a key author of the landmark Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 when he served in Congress, Secretary Mineta has long supported efforts to improve transportation infrastructure for bicyclists and we are delighted he will address the Summit,” said Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League.

Secretary Mineta will provide the Administration’s perspective to Summit participants on the prospects for investments in transportation. President Bush’s newly released FY 2006 budget proposes an increase for TEA-21 renewal from $256 billion to $284 billion, opening the door for an accelerated timetable for passage of the multiyear transportation reauthorization bill. “This makes the timing for the 2005 National Bike Summit® more critical than ever,” said Andy Clarke. “To ensure that bicycling secures the level of support it deserves out of the $284 billion and that important projects and programs are protected, it is vital that bicyclists meet with their Representatives and Senators during the Summit, March 16-18. The Summit could not occur at a more crucial time—and you can’t afford to miss it,” said Clarke.

Other confirmed speakers to date include Elizabeth S. Mabry, Executive Director of the South Carolina Department of Transportation, and bicycling’s best friends in Congress—Representatives James Oberstar (D-MN) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR).

League staff are currently working with state coordinators to schedule meetings with Members of Congress on TEA-21 Reauthorization, Complete Streets, and other issues for the Summit.

As Secretary of Transportation, Mineta oversees an agency with almost 60,000 employees and a $61.6 billion budget. He has focused on the President's commitment to improving safety across all modes of transportation. Mineta became the first Asian-American Cabinet member during the Clinton administration. In December 2004, Secretary Mineta accepted President Bush's invitation to continue his service in the Cabinet during the President's second term. From 1975 to 1995, Mineta served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing the heart of California's Silicon Valley. He served as chairman of the House Public Works and Transportation Committee between 1992 and 1994 and chaired its Surface Transportation Subcommittee from 1989 to 1991. During his career in Congress, he championed increases in investment for transportation infrastructure, and helped write the landmark ISTEA legislation of 1991.

Bikes Belong Coalition is providing major support for the National Bike Summit®. Other sponsors include: America Bikes, the National Bicycle Dealers Association, the International Mountain Bicycling Association, Interbike, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, Adventure Cycling Association, and Tailwinds Adventure Tours.

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