Day 3 at the Summit: What’s on tap

This story is part of my ongoing coverage of the 2008 National Bike Summit. See the rest of my coverage here.


crowds and random stuff at the National Bike Summit-8.jpg

With Day 2 in the books, Sabrina Merlo
from the Bay Area Bicycle Coalition
wasted no time in letting loose (notice
the beer in her hand and the smile on her face).
(Photo © J. Maus)

Tomorrow is the day when the hopes and demands of America’s burgeoning bicycle movement begin to take shape. It’s the day when hundreds of advocates will march up to Capitol Hill to share their enthusiasm and visions for a more bike-centric America.

We’ll start out with an event I always enjoy; the Capitol Hill Rally and Continental Breakfast. This year we’re expecting to hear Rep. Earl Blumenauer formally announce his new bike bills (the National Bike Bill, the Congressional Resolution, his Capitol Hill Bike Plan, etc…) We are also likely to hear from another major bicycling ally; Congressman Jim Oberstar from Minnesota.

After the rally and breakfast everyone will team up with their statewide contingents and execute their plan of attack on their respective members of Congress. We’ll share with them both local and national priorities.

On the national side, the League has selected four major “asks”, or issues of special priority that need support from our electeds. The four issues are:

  • Sign onto Blumenauer’s Congressional Resolution on bikes
  • Support recently introduced Complete Streets legislation
  • Support the National Parks Service Centennial Initiative
  • Ask them to join the Congressional Bike Caucus

After an exhausting day full of meetings, everyone will come back together for the Congressional Reception party. Held on Capitol Hill, this is always a treat. We’ll hear about all the day’s victories and toast our lobbying efforts with cold adult beverages and finger foods.

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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Mike
Mike
16 years ago

So, if we were to see a (published) picture of a motorist driving with a beer in her hand, wouldn\’t/shouldn\’t we have a right or responsibility to be pissed?

Jonathon, what does this picture do for the image of cycling, as a respectable form of transportation? Also, does it show the seriousness that this conference deserves?

I do really appreciate your fantastic reporting of this event. You\’re doing a great job.

Mmann
Mmann
16 years ago

Aww lighten up. She\’s obviously not on the road or endangering anyone. Bikes can be fun. Sometimes beer is involved. Sheesh.

Jerry H
Jerry H
16 years ago

Curious what kind of bike that is? Looks like a very practical little commuter.

joe
joe
16 years ago

Bicing bike from Barcelona
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicing

Kronda
16 years ago

Ditto #2 to #1. She\’s *inside a building* at a party for crying out loud. All work and no play…

Tbird
Tbird
16 years ago

I\’m curious what kind of beer that is? I mean for crying out loud the beer isn\’t even wearing a helmet!

Mike
Mike
16 years ago

I\’m right there with you guys, on it actually not being a big deal. I\’m sure that\’s what a lot of cagers say when they hear us bitching about how they rev their engines or yell at us.

Todd Boulanger
Todd Boulanger
16 years ago

Perhaps she might fall down and get a carpet burn…or worse yet spill her beer!

Brewmasters of Portland unite and end this …