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.

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.