Feb
28
Go To the National Bike Summit in DC
By Rich Kelly, Filed Under Advocacy, Cycling, Industry News, Interbike
That’s not the most elegant or creative title I could have written for this post, but it’s to the point: make an effort to attend the National Bike Summit in Washington, DC in March. In our recent annual post-Interbike surveys to retailers and exhibitors, someone wrote back to the effect that Interbike needs to do more for advocacy efforts than simply writing checks. While I plan to address that issue in an upcoming post, here’s one response to that: in addition to sponsoring the Summit, we will also be flying representatives to DC to attend and participate in the Summit again this year. What are you doing?
The Summit is well attended by advocates and passionate cyclists from all over the country, but having the collective business/economic weight of the bike industry there can truly have a positive effect on our community’s efforts in Washington. So much that happens in government is tied to the economic realities or potentials in any given legislation. Being able to have first-hand evidence of the economic impact of the cycling industry to each congressmen’s region with industry representatives in attendance is key. Advocacy and bike-friendly legislation is good for business.
I saw this on the Bikes Belong Coalition’s website and didn’t think I could say it any better:
“The National Bike Summit is a crucial opportunity for the bicycling community to communicate with top-level government leaders who have the power to dramatically improve bicycling in the U.S.
With a new Congress in session, the time is ripe to strengthen our Capitol connections to ensure a strong future for bicycling.
You are the voice of the bike industry and you should be there to represent bicycling. Click here to register or learn more.“
If you’ve never attended the Summit and think it’s just another gathering of advocates discussing issues, you couldn’t be more wrong. Be prepared to be totally immersed and connected to our American legislative process and putting the pedal to the metal to make our issues into action. At the very least you will come away with a new understanding of government having just walked the halls of Congress and met with Senators, Representatives, and/or staff members in their Congressional offices. I had no idea of the access that we have to our representatives in Congress. From the many years that the League has been working on improving the influence and awareness that bicycle interests have in DC, we are noticed and recognized during this annual trip to Capitol Hill. You can truly make a difference in a few days at the Summit. It really is an amazing civics lesson and a fantastic event that the League of American Bicyclists organizes. Be a part of it!
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2 Responses to “Go To the National Bike Summit in DC”
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Dude! Well said, well written… and you’ll see me there!
Rich is right; attend. Put your mouth where your money is (comes from). Here is a chance to DO something… so DO something!
See you in DC!
Great to see that Masi will be well represented in DC! Unfortunately, I personally won’t be able to attend this year, but Lance and Andria will be there from Interbike. If nothing else, people, it looks like the Summit will be an opportunity to meet the Masiguy!