As in years past, we’ll be heading to Washington DC next week to attend the 2009 National Bike Summit. The annual summit, hosted by the League of American Bicyclists, is when hundreds of advocates, industry execs and education experts gather to speak up for bicycling on Capitol Hill. We’ll literally be lobbying our congresspeople and educating them about issues related to cycling, and how they can make a difference.

Bicyclists led the Good Roads movement in the 1880s, successfully lobbying for paved roads to drag our nation out of the mud. In 2009, the stage is set for bicyclists to once again lead reform of our transportation system. -League of American Bicyclists

Last year, we lobbied congressman Mike Doyle (D-PA) to sign onto the National Bike Bill, which eventually became part of Bush’s bailout. This Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act, is a $20 per month credit to encourage and reward bicycle commuters. We also scored a Resolution of the House of Representatives that endorses the need for a national bicycling strategy.

The Summits also helped swell the Congressional Bike Caucus to include more than one third of Congress. Last year, Western Pennsylvania congressman Jason Altmire joined the Caucus after our meeting with him.

This year’s theme, “Going for the Green,” will focus on the new Congress and Administration as they begin to write and develop a new federal transportation funding bill. It’s imperative that bicyclists are at the table to make sure that we’re included. Some estimate that the new bill could be upwards of a half-trillion dollars. According to Andy Clarke, president of the League, the Summits “were instrumental in making the case for expanded funding for bicycling.” So important that after the 2004 and 2005 Summits, the next transportation funding bill included $4.5 billion for bicycle and pedestrian projects, programs, and policies.

Keynote Speakers

Open to the Public Event: The public is invited to the annual meeting, Wednesday March 11th at 6.30pm in the amphitheater at the The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, to hear two inspiring speakers: Andreas Rohl, head of the Copenhagen Bicycle Program, and Jeff Mapes, author of the upcoming book Pedaling Revolution.

Rohl will describe how Copenhagen has become a world class city for cyclists, one in which 36% of trips are made by bicycle. Andreas’ job is to increase this to 40% or more!

Mapes will explore the growth of the bicycling movement as a political and cultural force, especially at the local level.

Also speaking for the attendees will be Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenaur (D-OR) and Larry Selzer, President and CEO of The Conservation Fund. The Conservation Fund protects the nation’s land and water resources.

The Summit includes a number of workshops that cover such invigorating topics as “Becoming best friends with transit” and “The value of trails: so much more than a fun place to ride” and “Complete Streets: the next generation.” Click to see the list and schedule.