Thanks to Bicycle Sport Shop‘s Leslie Luciano for sending over this revised, texas-focused release about the 2009 National Bike Summit!

Record Number Attended 2009 Bike Summit!

In total, 580 registrants from 47 states and four countries (Canada, Denmark, Czech Republic and the USA) visited more than 350 Congressional offices on Thursday, March 12. More than a hundred riders joined the snowy Congressional Bike Ride on Friday the 13th, with no ill-effects.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood addressed the opening plenary, noting that the DOT will be “a full partner in working toward livable communities”. The Secretary was followed by Representatives Blumenauer (D-OR), Lipinski (D-IL) and Matsui (D-CA). Congressman Oberstar (D-MN) spoke at the Summit dinner, and Representatives Petri (R-WI), Coble (R-NC), McCaul (R-TX) and Kissell (D-NC) made remarks at the Congressional Breakfast or Reception.

Texas Bike Advocates at The Summit

Hill Abell and Leslie Luciano joined 15 other Texas advocates in lobbying Senators John Cornyn and Kay-Bailey Hutchison and over 30 members of the House of Representatives. Laura King, and John Fusselman of the Austin Cycling Association were present, as were Emma Cravey, and Robin Stallings of Bike Texas (Texas Bicycle Coalition). We “asked” these members of the Legislature to support Complete streets policies, and the “Clean-Tea climate legislation. The IMBA delegation also asked members to renew the Recreational Trails Program with $550 million over 5 years funding, giving more “bang” for the buck in the dwindling transportation budget. The volunteer labor involved in these trail projects essentially provides “free labor” for those dollars spent.

In addition, all members were “asked” to join the Congressional Bike Caucus if they were not already members. Currently the Caucus holds 190 House members, and 16 Senate. We’re confident that post-Summit there will be a majority of bi-partisan support in the Caucus. We received positive feedback, from the Congressmen/women, as well as from their transportation staff members. We will be following up with these contacts to ensure that these bills don’t fall under the radar.

All in all, the Bike Summit was a success. It is wonderful to see advocate groups, dealers, and suppliers all walking in step to give validity to cycling as a common means of transportation, rather than an “alternative”.

BikesPAC Event Draws Strong Bi-partisan Support

Four US Senators and two Representatives attended a BikesPAC event hosted by Bikes Belong on Wednesday, March 11th. Senators Spector (R-PA), Alexander (R-TN), Udall (D-NM) and Merkley (D-OR) met with industry leaders and constituents, along with Representatives Matsui (D-CA) and Mica (R-FL). All had interesting tales of their personal connection to bicycling.

Complete Streets and CLEAN-TEA Bills Introduced

Two National Bike Summit “asks” were introduced into Congress during Summit week. Both provide specific details on two key pieces of the America Bikes agenda: complete streets and linking climate change and transportation policy.

The Complete Streets Act of 2009

S. 584, introduced by Senator Harkin
H.R. 1443 introduced by Representative Matsui

CLEAN-TEA: The Clean, Low-Emission Affordable, New Transportation Efficiency Act

S. 575, introduced by Senators Carper and Specter
H.R. 1329, introduced by Representatives Blumenauer, Tauscher and LaTourette

Please ask your members of Congress to sign on as co-sponsors to this legislation.

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