I'm not certain I am 100% ready to write this wrap up to my experience of the 2009 Bike Summit, but I'm going to try.
First, I would have to say that the League of American Bicyclists MUST be commended on a stellar job. The Summit was exceptionally well-organized, with attention paid to details that made the experience seamless. When we needed food, there was food; when we needed assistance, there was assistance; and when we needed a break, we got a break. Everyone worked hard, learned a ton, and I think went home feeling that we had made an impact. It was exhiliarating.
Each day and every breakout session we attended was a step forward to Thursday when more than 550 of us descended on Capitol Hill with our message - support bicycling related legislation. Being a part of how our system works at the legislative level reminds one of how fortuante we are to live here and now.
The message that was repeated to us over and over from those legislators who took the time to come to our Amphitheater in the Ronald Reagan Building was - "you have a partner in Washington" - and on Thursday, when we called upon our Senators and Congresspeople with our message, it was clear that they knew we were coming! Even the Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, made it clear that we could count on the Obama administration to support bicycling related ideas.
I have heard back from some of our attendees that there has already been action on "asks" (requests) that were made. I have sent Congressmen and Senators my written reminders of the programs I want to see supported or legislation I want to see renewed or passed. It remains to be seen what the long-term impact of our work will be.
One of the most compelling speeches that we heard was from Lawrence Selzer, CEO of the Conservation Fund. I have been given permission by Larry to offer a link to his Bike_Summit_Speech[1] . It took the better part of the lunch hour on Wednesday and the ballroom, which housed more than 550 of us for meals, was absoultely silent during his presentation. He received a standing ovation; and, if you read his speec, I think you will understand why.
So, there may be another wrap-up coming. I am still processing some things and would like to report back down the road when (and if) I hear back from the legislators' offices about my follow-up to to our visit.
Most importantly, I am committed to getting involved in advocating cycling in a new way - especially locally. I also hope to encourage at least 150 bicycle dealers to attending the Summit in 2010. That would be quite an increase and still barely 4% of our total numbers.
If you have specific questions about the Summit, pending legislation, contacting legislators, or becoming involved with bicycle advocacy, contact me OR go to the advocacy section of the LAB and get involved. I would also urge you to join the LAB!
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