First time at the National Bike Summit reflections (Sara): 

As it was my first time at the National Bike Summit, I was very impressed, and I do need to admit it. I think I was a little bit ignorant about the level of compromise, development and passion all over the states regarding bike advocacy. I am very excited and full of hope thinking about all the beautiful projects and the many people eager to advocate for all of us in different communities across the country. 

I want to say that, as Massachusetts, we have a lot to build on, and we need to put all of our pedal power into becoming a stronger, better bike and walking advocacy state. I believe this is not just about passing legislation or putting things on paper, but about building a strong community for everybody. I’m eager to see how we can apply everything we learn and have more out of their cars and into safe spaces.

Seeing so many people ready to talk to senators and representatives was one of the most inspiring moments of my entire life. All the workshops and conversations allowed us to connect, but even more exciting was having a voice and a space to be heard. This experience definitely changed my mind and confirmed that this is what I want to do: make my community a place where streets are safe for everyone.

Reflection from the State Coordinator (Emma):

This was my third year returning as the State Coordinator to the National Bike Summit. As the State Coordinator, it is my responsibility to schedule all of our meetings with Congressional offices on Capitol Hill on our Lobby Day with the League of American Bicyclists. This year we had 21 constituents from across the state to meet with their representatives. It was the largest group and one of the most diverse groups we’ve had in the last few years which was very exciting to see. 

This year was not defined by any specific legislation that we are asking for, but for Congress to continue supporting programs that allow local governments to use funding for local safety projects that our communities need.

What I find most rewarding about leading the Massachusetts delegation is to be able to give our passionate, active, advocates and community members the opportunity to tell members of Congress about the important work they are doing in the district and how it all connects to making our roadways and streets safe for everyone. This year we had representatives from Boston Cyclists Union, Bikes Not Bombs, Bike to the Sea, BU Urbanism Club, Plays in Place, UMass Boston and Rozzie Bikes. My hope is that everyone in our delegation walked away from this experience feeling empowered and a little more knowledgeable about their power as a constituent.

Reflection from Galen our Executive Director:

I was proud of the entire MassBike team for coordinating and leading the Massachusetts delegation down in D.C. This year had the highest attendance of advocates coming from the state, representing a diversity of ages, races, backgrounds, and interests, all sharing the same message of coordination and collaboration to move bicycle advocacy forward.

I also appreciated the opportunity to meet with other statewide organizations who face similar challenges and successes as MassBike. Though a core of executive directors from across the country meet monthly on networking video calls, which allows us to both collaborate and commiserate, the true value of the National Bike Summit for me can be found in the happy-hour meet ups and networking breakouts in between sessions to get to know each other more deeply.

The National Bike Summit also helped realign our "north star" ideologies, and how to tie us all together for a common goal. The League of American Bicyclists have come out with a strategic plan to get 50% of residents in America living in a Bike Friendly Community by 2035, and this year we heard from the League how we can all support this tangible goal – especially local advocates engaged in their city or town. Yet this metric is really a measure of so much more than just a title for a community, but brings the benefits of engagement and community activism that is associated with the BFC designation.

Bicycle advocacy work is difficult, and though we work every day, it can be slow and frustrating to see progress. But our annual visit to the National Bike Summit bring us together with such wise, powerful, kind, and dedicated advocates, and this conference of people from all across America reaffirms our passion for this mission-driven work. We are reminded that we are in a social movement that affects all of us, and this trip to D.C. strengthens our commitment and resolve to keep pushing ahead in Massachusetts.