“This is a fight we have to win. We have to do more.”  Said Senator Ben Cardin at last week's 2013 National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C. The focus this year was on how bicycling means business, and this was explored, discussed, and debated in workshop, over meals, and during coffee breaks. There were over 750 attendees from all 50 states, Washington D.C. and three Canadian provinces, and we heard from influential top leaders like New York City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.

Due to a snow storm, most of the congressional meetings were canceled, including all Massachusetts delegation meetings. Nonetheless, we were still able to discuss important bicycling issues, share stories, and network with other advocates from across the country. Because we were not able to meet with our delegation on Capitol Hill, we are working on scheduling meetings with them locally to continue our ongoing relationship, and as well as build new ones with Senators Warren and Cowan and Representative Kennedy.

To watch videos of the keynote and plenary talks, visit the League’s YouTube Channel. If you were not available to attend the Summit, the League has made the presentations from break-out sessions public; click here to view.

The National Women's Bicycling Forum

The day before the National Bike Summit, the National Women’s Bicycling Forum took place, which had an inspiring number of women bicycle advocates. These included Georgena Terry, the first bicycle fabricator to create women-specific bikes, and Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) who discussed health benefits, equity and transportation at the federal level, as well as her moving story. She lost both of her legs in Iraq and now uses her hand-crank bicycle as means of transportation and recreation (not to mention she has completed several marathons on her bike as well).

Congresswoman Duckworth said, “As you promote cycling as a way to be fit and as a way to become part of your community, think of the disabled. Three steps can permit me from getting into a bike shop. Simple things that cost little prevent many disabled people from participating. Continue to help promote this lifestyle, you are making a difference in this avenue.” Along with her inspiring words, many other speakers at the Women's Forum had words of wisdom.