While Washington may be known for gridlock from time to time, The League of American Bicyclists hopes to see movement in D.C. at next week’s National Bike Summit. This event will take place in advance of the next transportation bill.
The League is mobilizing behind the theme “United Spokes: Moving Beyond Gridlock.” The Summit will feature top transportation, government and political leaders including:
• Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
• Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ)
• Jack Wells, Chief Economist, U.S. Department of Transportation
• Texas Sen. Rodney Ellis
• Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto
• Phillip Darnton, Executive Director, Bicycle Association of Great Britain
“The National Bike Summit unites an increasingly diverse and bipartisan movement around a single idea: the bicycle is a simple solution to many complex problems,” says League president Andy Clarke. “We’re focused on telling that story more effectively, sharing winning strategies to end political gridlock, and ensuring the benefits of bicycling can be enjoyed by all in society.”
Now in its third year, the Summit will also include the National Women’s Bicycling Forum, which will showcase the leadership and innovation of more than two dozen female leaders from across the nation. Speakers will include:
• Shannon Galpin, a 2013 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and founder of Mountain2Mountain
• Terry O’Neill, president of the National Organization for Women
• Shellie Pfohl, Executive Director, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition
• Lela Rose, internationally known fashion designer and city cycling icon
• Leah Flickinger, Executive Editor of Bicycling magazine
“In 2009, only 24% of bike trips in the United States were taken by women — but that trend is shifting,” says Carolyn Szczepanski, Director of the League’s Women Bike program. “The Women’s Forum is both the hub and catalyst for the incredible energy and potential of getting more women on bikes in communities nationwide.”
United Spokes: Moving Beyond Gridlock Official Website
National Women’s Bicycling Forum Official Website