National Bike Summit 2007
In 2007, with the 110th Congress, bicycling advocates, industry leaders, and passionate cyclists have a remarkable opportunity. 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, underwritten by Bikes Belong and sponsored by IMBA, and share your passion for cycling. Help Congress see the solution to climate change, health care and energy independence is right in front of them! Help them Think: Bike.
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.
Intro & Registration: Tuesday, March 13
5 p.m. Registration Opens
7 p.m. advocacy orientation for first-time attendees
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: Wed., March 14
7 A.m. Registration Opens
7 A.m. Think: Bike! Opening Plenary Session
8 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Opening Plenary
Think: Bike .
Setting a National Agenda for Bicycling.
Andy Clarke
Tim Blumenthal
Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
Rodney Slater, Partner Patton Boggs, and Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Mary Peters, Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation (invited)
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
Moderator: Randy Neufeld, Chicagoland Bicycle Federation
Panelist: Theo Petritsch, Sprinkle Consulting; James Koski, Deputy Chief of Staff, Congressman Blumenauer’s Office.
The 2005 Energy Policy Act included an unfunded provision to study the impact of increased bicycle use on energy conservation. This workshop will highlight a study conducted by the Department of Florida which is similar in scope to federally authorized Conserve by Bicycling Program. We will also hear from House and Senate staff on the realities of funding the Conserve by Bicycle program and passing the long-awaited Bicycle Commuter Act to extend commuter tax benefits to bicyclists.
‘IMBA’s Federal Access Agenda
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) works to improve trail experiences for mountain bikers everywhere. Hear IMBA staff discuss highlights from our current federal access agenda, including new approaches to roadless areas and Wilderness preservation, our growing partnership with the National Park Service, and maintaining a strong presence in Washington, D.C
We Don’t Get No Respect: An Agenda for Traffic Justice
Moderator: Amanda Eichstaedt, President, League of American Bicyclists
Panelist: Ed Barsotti, League of Illinois Bicyclists; Charlie Komanoff, Traffic Justice campaign; Representative from the American Motorcyclists 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 – and there are too many stories of drivers being let off with a small fine after running down and killing a cyclists while sending a text message. Cyclists are not alone – more than 43,000 people were killed on our roads last year, including more than 5,000 motorcyclists and almost that many bicyclists and pedestrians. Panelists will present ways in which they are seeking greater traffic justice – and will discuss ways in which terrible tragedy can become a catalyst for change.
Bicycling: Good for Your Health and the Health Community!
Moderator: Avery/Elizabeth from Bikes Belong?
Panelists: Richard Bender, Legislative Assistant, Senator Harkin’s Office; Betty Ross, National Director Campaign Development MS150; Amanda Thompson, Planning Officer, Decatur, Georgia.
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.
11:15 a.m. Breakout Sessions
The Future of Surface Transportation Funding
Moderator: Walter Finch, League of American Bicyclists
Panelists: Jack Schenendorf, Vice-Chairman National Policy & Revenue Study Commission and Former Chief of Staff to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Tyler Duvall, Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy USDOT; Kevin McCarty, Senior Director Federal Policy.
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
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
Moderator: Deb Hubsmith, coordinator safe routes to schools national partnership
Panelists: Melody Geraci, Chicagoland Bicycle Federation,
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
Moderator: Barbara McCann, National Complete Streets Coalition Consultant
Panelists: Art Guzzetti, Director Policy and Advocacy American Public Transportation Association; Elinor Ginzler, AARP Director of Livable Communities; Julie Ward, Disability Policy Collaboration; Eric Gilliland, Executive Director, Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Washington Regional Network Complete Streets Task Force.
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
The Honorable Adrian Fenty, Mayor of the District of Columbia (invited) will introduce the Honorable Jerry E. Abramson, Mayor of Louisville, Ky.
2:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions
Where are we with the Non-Motorized Pilot Project?
Moderator: John Fegan, Program Manager, Bike/Ped Program USDOT
Panelists: Marianne Fowler, Senior V.P. Federal Relation, Rails to Trails Conservancy; Ben Rasmussen, VOLPE
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
Moderator:
Panelist: Jean Francois Pronovost, Executive Director, Velo Quebec.
Whistler and Park City Representatives;
Frank Hugelmeyer, President Outdoor Industry Association
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 just how big of a business mountain biking is in towns better known for skiing. And when you visit the Hill tomorrow, remember that bicycling is part of a massive economic powerhouse: the outdoor industry.
Looking Beyond Federal Funding for Bicycling and Trail Projects
Moderator: Mohammed Nouri, Assistant Director, Metro Louisville Planning and Design
Panelists: Jason Jordan, Center for Transportation Excellence; Metro Louisville Cabinet Secretary Mary Lou Northern, 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?
Moderator:
Panelist: Michael Jones, Principal Alta Planning; Jennifer Toole, Principal 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. Panelist will discuss what can, and is being done to address this important issue.
4:15 p.m. Issue Training
Summit participants will visit their members of Congress on Thursday with three agenda 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 of American Bicyclists Annual Meeting (Ronald Regan Building)
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 – maybe even some deserts.
Thursday, March 15
8 a.m. Breakfast and Rally-Rayburn House Office Building- with Congressman Jim Oberstar
Congressional meetings throughout the day (The League will coordinate these meetings)
OR
Alternate Thursday Session – US Bike Routes (Ronald Regan Building)
Moderator: Richard Moeur, P.E. Arizona Department of Transportation
Panelist: Jim Sayer, Adventure Cycling, Jean Francois Provonost, Executive Director, Velo Quebec, Jim McConnell, P.E. Associate Program Director for Engineering, AASHTO.
For Summit participants who are not lobbying, this workshop will examine the value of the process; where we are now; how states can participate; and how this program ties in with a national bicycle strategy.
5 p.m. Congressional Reception (Senate Russell Office Building)
Senators (Invited): Barack Obama, Richard Durbin, Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe, Barbara Boxer, Ron Wyden, Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Tom Harkin
Representatives (Invited): Mark Udall, Zack Wamp, Thomas Petri, Peter DeFazio
We will also identify key members from the CBC, as well as work with IMBA to include key members important to their causes.
Friday, March 16 (Ronald Regan Building)
8 a.m. Working Breakfast & National Bicycling Strategy-Grasping the Big Picture- A National Strategic Bicycle Plan – How Do We Get There
Prof. John Purcher-Rutgers University-confirmed
Prof. Richard Florida-George Mason University
IMBA Representative
11:30 a.m. Congressional Bike Ride (will end by 2 p.m.)
Sample Subtitle
Our Bike Ed brochure promotes bicycle education. Click here to download it.
