Record-Setting Summit Heralds Resolution; Complete Streets Bill; More Bicycling

The eighth National Bike Summit concluded on Capitol Hill Thursday, March 6 with a rousing call to action from Representatives James Oberstar (D-MN) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), and with the announcement that Congressional staff themselves will benefit from a pioneering bike-sharing program later this Spring.

Rep. Blumenauer introduced H. Con. Res. 305, supporting the creation of a national bicycling strategy, immediately prior to the Summit with the co-sponsorship of Oberstar. Hundreds of visits with Congressional offices by the record number of Summit participants yielded immediate results with several new cosponsors coming on board, including the influential Rep. John Duncan, (R-TN).

In their Senate visits, Summiteers urged support for Senator Harkin’s (D-IA) newly introduced Complete Streets Act of 2008 (S. 2686), and welcomed Senator John Kerry to the ranks of the Senate Bike Caucus. The caucus also gained new leadership with Senator Olympia Snowe (R-RI) agreeing to co-chair the group with Senator Durbin (D-IL).

One of the loudest cheers of the three-day Summit greeted the announcement of a Capitol Hill bike sharing program by House Chief Administrative Officer Dan Beard. Under the program to be launched “no later than bike week in May,” staff and members will be able to use a fleet of bikes to get between House office buildings, to run errands and get exercise. Beard was recognized by the League of American Bicyclists for his leadership in promoting bicycling as part of his Greening the Capitol initiative.

“We are delighted the Summit exceeded last year’s record attendance figures by almost 100 people, and that for almost half the participants this was their first Summit,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “More than 70 local bicycle dealers, the CEOs of the biggest brand names in bicycling, on- and off-road bicyclists all join together at this unique event to speak up for bicycling.

“We heard a consistent message from the opening speaker, David Jones Jr., chairman of the board of Humana, to the heads of AASHTO and APTA, the Director of the District Department of Transportation Emeka Monomee, and our Congressional champions that this a perfect time for our message to be heard," Clarke continued. "Gas prices are rising again, the effects of climate change are becoming more evident daily, obesity levels continue to rise, and our transportation system is in need of major change.”

Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the National Bike Summit--we can't wait to see you again next year!

Check out bikeportland.org for even more Summit coverage.

 

League Club Survey Results

2007 League Club Survey Results In ...

The more responses we receive, the more we learn about our club members. The survey says that clubs are continuing their membership with the League and have a need for increased technology tools. Click here for lots more detail on what we learned from club responses to the 2007 Club Profile and Technology Survey.

Cycling Meetings

IMBA World Summit 2008

Mountain biking enthusiasts from around the globe will gather in Park City, Utah, June 18-21 for the 2008 IMBA World Summit. IMBA Summits bring mountain biking advocates, land managers, ski resort professionals, trailbuilders, park and urban planners, tourism officials and the bike industry together for collaboration, planning, and celebration. Click here to learn more and register.

International Cycling History Conference

The Museum of Art and Industry in France and the French Federation of Cycle Touring are working together to host the 19th International Cycling History Conference, from June 25-28, 2008. In addition to the papers and debates, participants will be offered the opportunity to discover the heritage of the city of Saint-Étienne, France and the wealth of the museum's collections. For all information, please contact: conferencecycle@saint-etienne.fr.

Nevada Hike, Bike and Walk Conference

The seventh Annual Nevada Hike, Bike and Walk Conference will be held on May 15-18 at Stateline, Lake Tahoe. This year's theme is: Economic Benefits of Bicycling and Walking in Communities. The conference is being held in conjunction with the Nevada Trail Builder and Crew Leader Training. Last year's conference was a tremendous success. Click here to learn more.

Seeking Volunteers & Employees

Bicycle Coalition of Maine Seeks Executive Director

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is seeking a proven professional to lead our mission to improve bicycling safety, education and access in Maine. Our office is located in Augusta. The Executive Director leads a full-time staff of three, many outside contractors and professional service providers, hundreds of volunteers, and a 6000+ member base. Salary range $40,000 - $60,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Resumes accepted through March 30, 2008. To apply, electronically send your resume, references and a cover letter briefly stating your most recent accomplishments to: Executive Director Search Committee: search@bikemaine.org.

San Luis Obispo Rideshare Program Manager

The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments is seeking a Program Manager to oversee the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program for the San Luis Obispo Regional Rideshare program. The Program Manager coordinates and disseminates information about transportation choices employers, residents and visitors to encourage citizens to reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled, single occupant vehicle trips as well as reduce air pollution and energy consumption in San Luis Obispo County. For more information, click here.

Safe Routes Partnership Steering Committee

The Safe Routes to School National Partnership (the Partnership) is now accepting nominations for several Steering Committee positions representing government agencies, non-governmental organizations and professional associations. After only three years of existence, the Partnership has grown to nearly 350 partner affiliates, and has seen all but two State DOTs release application guidelines for the $612 million in federal SRTS funds. Safe Routes to School is taking hold across America and the Partnership is playing a critical role in making sure that this program will continue to grow and thrive. Each organization that holds a seat on the Steering Committee must appoint an individual representative to serve on behalf of his or her organization. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, May 2, 2008. For more information on the call for nominations and to view and download the call for application and instructions, click here.