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May
10
Infographic: 83% of Americans Support Biking and Walking Funding
Filed Under Advocacy, Interbike | Leave a Comment
America Bikes just produced a great infographic based on the results of a recent survey that shows pretty overwhelming support for continued federal funding for biking and walking infrastructure among the US population. America Bikes is a national coalition of leaders from the bicycle and pedestrian movement including Bikes Belong, IMBA, the Alliance for Biking & Walking, the League of American Bicyclists and others.
Mar
17
Economic Advocacy at the National Bike Summit
Filed Under Advocacy, Deep Thoughts, Events | 1 Comment
There was a shift in focus at this year’s National Bike Summit and the bike industry stands poised to play an even larger advocacy role.
For ten years, the Summit has made the case to the Federal government that cyclists are deserving of more transportation infrastructure funding and other bicycle friendly legislation. The bicycle is an efficient mode of transportation, we say, and it can have a positive impact on many of the greatest challenges that we face: our health, the environment and energy usage among them. But with the economy recently joining this unfortunate list, some in government see investment in cycling infrastructure as frivolous or a spend we can’t afford right now. Add to this the fact that most of the recently elected officials would more readily describe cycling as purely recreational and would not consider cycling a legitimate form of transportation, a change in tactics was in order for this edition of the Summit.
This reality was not lost on Summit organizers, the League of American Bicyclists. There was an enlightening moment at this year’s Summit during one of the final sessions prior to unleashing us all on Capitol Hill. With all of the nearly 800 delegates gathered, League executive director, Andy Clarke, asked members of the bike industry to begin speaking and pure advocates to remain quiet. To me it seemed as if nearly half the audience was talking. While an impressive display of industry support for advocacy, Andy’s next statement made his point. He suggested that this was exactly how the meetings with Congress should go: let the delegates in the business of bicycles lead the conversation to describe the economic impact of cycling in their district. Let the bike industry make the economic case for cycling.
The League provided us with reports with the number of bicycle related retail businesses, jobs and sales in each district. While a powerful resource, I believe they fell short by leaving out the impact from other economic sources such as bicycle manufacturers, events, tourism and reduced health care costs. I was proud to tell my congressman of the importance of the bicycle industry in his district, home to brands like Electra, Haro, Canari Cyclewear, RavX and some 48 retailers. As an industry, we can do a better job making our importance felt by our elected officials.
USA Triathlon recently reported that the annual impact of their sport on the US economy was $2.4 billion. That’s an impressive number, yet cycling could dwarf that. Sales of bicycles and related gear through specialty retailers, alone, is nearly $6 billion. The Wisconsin Bicycle Federation made news last year by reporting that the bicycle adds $1.5 billion to their state’s economy each year. Congressmen are famous for doggedly supporting the military, tourism, corn, steel industry or other interests in their districts. We can do a better job convincing our government officials that the business of bicycles is worthy of the same support and have the numbers to prove it.
Sep
9
Advocacy Meet & Greet Hosted by Planet Bike
Filed Under Advocacy, Attendee News, Industry News, Interbike | 1 Comment
All Interbike attendees are invited to an Advocacy Meet & Greet at Planet Bike’s booth, #1425. Join industry and bicycle advocacy leaders to meet, share ideas and relax.
This is an ideal opportunity to network and discuss bicycle advocacy best practices. Join the conversation that makes our communities bicycle friendly and our industry stronger.
Refreshments will be served.
Date: Wednesday, September 23
Time: 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: Planet Bike booth #1425
presented by: Planet Bike, Bikes Belong and Interbike
See the invite/event on Facebook here.
Mar
5
The Bike Summit is On!
Filed Under Advocacy, Industry News | Comments Off
The National Bike Summit is in full swing today. Just want to wish all of our advocates there a productive day full of meetings with influential people.
A site to visit for coverage of the event is Jonathan Maus’ (or is that Maus’s?) BikePortland.org site. If you know of any others, let me know.
Lance, Robert and Andria from Interbike are there. Don’t be shy about going up to them and saying hi.
Update:
I found a nice list of bloggers that will be attending the Summit at the Commute by Bike site. Didn’t see any coverage there yet – just the “We’re heading off to the Summit this week” posts. Hopefully the posting will kick in soon.