In case you missed it, organizers behind the Oregon Bike Summit — an annual event since 2006 with a goal to make Oregon the best state for bicycling in America — is now known as the Oregon Active Transportation Summit. The event took place in Portland last year, but will return to Salem this year (March 29-30) to take advantage of the legislative session.
The name change is in line with a growing trend to go beyond the bike and build a larger movement by incorporating walking and transit into the mix. Here’s how summit organizers explain the change:
“By welcoming new partners, we will accomplish more for the bicycle movement and our shared goals: safe streets, livable communities, and healthy, affordable transportation options. All facets of active transportation… are after the same thing: promoting cleaner and more active travel options for everyone. So we’re ready to bring together an even larger, more influential and more effective group for the 2011 summit.”
[Editorial aside: I’ve got mixed feelings about the name change; but I’m willing to wait and see how it plays out.]
Along with the name change has come a new website, logo, and the unveiling of the full agenda and list of speakers for the 2011 summit. This year’s event will consist of two full days of learning, networking, and lobbying. The list of speakers and presenters is the most impressive I’ve seen in the event’s five year history. Check out who’s on the opening day panel:
- Lynn Peterson, Chair, Clackamas County Commission (moderator)
- Andy Clarke, League of American Bicyclists
- Tim Blumenthal, Bikes Belong
- Gail Achterman, Chair, Oregon Transportation Commission
Day one will also have some meaty breakout sessions (more big names and some very relevant and important topics):
— Legislative Priorities: Gerik Kransky, Bicycle Transportation Alliance; Ray Thomas, Swanson, Thomas & Coon; Steph Routh, Willamette Pedestrian Coalition
— Politics – The Reality of the Legislature: Randy Tucker, Metro; Olivia Clark, TriMet
— Funding – Road Finance Reform: Bob Stacey; Gail Achterman, Oregon Transportation Commission; Chris Rall, Transportation for America; Andy Clarke, League of American Bicyclists
— Transportation Health Equity: Mara Gross, Coalition for a Livable Future; Dr. Philip Wu, Kaiser Permanente; Lake McTighe, Metro; Alison Graves, Community Cycling Center; Noelle Dobson, Oregon Public Health Institute
— Infrastructure: Sheila Lyons, Oregon Department of Transportation; Roger Geller, Portland Bureau of Transportation; Andrew Singelakis, Washington County Dept. of Land Use and Transportation; Lynn Weigand, Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation
— Social Marketing Programs: Lindsay Selser, City of Eugene; Jessica Roberts, Alta Planning + Design; Alison Graves, Community Cycling Center
— Tourism Benefits of Active Transportation: Scott Bricker, America Walks; Kristin Dahl, Travel Oregon; Alex Phillips, Oregon Parks and Recreation; Veronica Rinard, Travel Portland; Jerry Norquist, Cycle Oregon; Chris Bernhardt, International Mountain Bicycling Association
— Bike Sharing Programs: Mia Birk, Alta Planning + Design; Tim Blumenthal, Bikes Belong; Rob Sadowsky, Bicycle Transportation Alliance
— Regional Updates: Lake McTighe, Metro; Nathan Broom, Rogue Valley Transportation District
Day two of the summit will be spent at the Capitol as advocates sit down to discuss active transportation priorities with state legislators.
The event is organized by Cycle Oregon and is made possible by sponsorships from a variety of partners including Travel Oregon, the International Mountain Bicycle Association, Bikes Belong, Pedal Bike Tours, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, the Oregon Department of Transportation, and Oregon State Parks.
This is going to be a great summit and I encourage everyone to attend. Registration ($50) is available online. Full details online.
— If you’re curious about what goes on at this event, delve into our archives. I’ve reported from every Oregon Bike/Active Transportation Summit since they began in 2006.