First day is in the books here at the 2010 National Bike Summit — and it was a big one. Lots of excitment, record attendance, the launch of a major national promotional campaign, big news from Google, a guest appearance (via video) from Lance Armstrong, and lots more.
Check out the slideshow below (or browse the gallery). It contains all my best shots from today, including a visit to Bikestation D.C., a few snaps of the local bike-sharing solution, Smartbike DC, and photos of advocates from around the country:[Read more…]
As reported earlier, Bikes Belong revealed a major new campaign tonight aimed at unifying a million voices in support of bicycling across America. The People for Bikes campaign was launched to a room packed with bike advocates and industry leaders from across the country at the opening reception of the National Bike Summit.[Read more…]
Google will publicly announce the big news at Wednesday morning’s Opening Plenary Session. About the announcement, the League’s Andy Clarke says, “… It is a game-changer, especially for those short trips that are the most polluting… This new tool will open people’s eyes to the possibility and practicality of hopping on a bike and riding.” [Read more…]
Screenshot from the just-launched PeopleForBikes.org.
At tonight’s opening reception of the National Bike Summit, national non-profit group Bikes Belong will announce the People for Bikes campaign.
A tri-fold promo brochure being handed out here at the Summit reads:
“Millions of Americans ride bicycles and recognize the economic, social and physical benefits. But, only a fraction of those who ride have stood up to help advance the cause of bicycling in America.
The goal of peopleforbikes.org is to gather a million names of support, to speak with one powerful voice — to let policy makers, the media and the public know that bicycling is important and should be promoted.
Whether you’re a commuter, a roadie, a mountain biker or just a casual rider, by uniting your voice with a million others, you can help build a national movement to improve bicycling in our country.”
Today I took a peek at the latest and most conspicuous addition to Washington D.C.’s transportation infrastructure — Bikestation DC.
Opened for business only since last October (it was under construction last time I was here), the facility is striking in stature and has a location that any bike planner would drool over. The modern, curved glass structure sits just a few yards from the main entrance of Union Station, a historic landmark and tourist attraction visited by 32 million people each year. The dynamic lines of the Bikestation create an interesting juxtaposition to the Classical-era inspired architecture of Union Station. [Read more…]
The League of American Bicyclists just announced record attendance for the 10th annual National Bike Summit. They’ve also announced a new speaker for tomorrow morning’s Opening Plenary: Shannon Guymon of Google, Inc. Could Ms. Guymon be here to make a big announcement about adding bike directions to Google Maps?
According to a press release from the League, more than 700 people from 48 states have already registered. That’s more than 100 more than last year (in 2001, the Summit’s first year, fewer than 150 people showed up). League President Andy Clarke says that more than 400 meetings have been scheduled with members of Congress during Thursday’s Capitol Hill lobbying day. “The Summit and bicycle movement is on the rise,” said Clarke.[Read more…]
Tomorrow is the opening day of the 2010 National Bike Summit in Washington D.C. (I hope on a red-eye flight tonight!). Last week I introduced you to the Oregon advocates that will make the trek to D.C. to attend. But, some of you may be wondering, what the heck happens at the Summit? Hopefully this post answers a few of your questions.
The Summit is, at its core, a lobbying event. The intention is to make the presence of bicycling felt on Capitol Hill, shake hands with members of Congress, and explain to them why bicycling is important and deserving of their support. [Read more…]
The 2010 National Bike Summit gets underway in Washington D.C. next week and the Team Oregon is ready to go.
But before I introduce the fine set of advocates who will serve you at the Summit, a big thanks is order to Planet Bike. For the third year in a row they have stepped up to be the official sponsor of all our National Bike Summit coverage. As I have for the past four years, I plan to document my trip (I’ll be there from Tuesday to Friday next week) with photos and stories to give you the inside perspective on all the Summit happenings. Bookmark our special coverage page to read the latest stories. [Read more…]
Earlier this week I bought my plane ticket and officially registered for the 2010 National Bike Summit in Washington D.C..
With a transportation bill in limbo, “livable communities” buzzing on everyone’s lips, high-speed rail and distracted driving making major headlines, and social media changing how people communicate, it should be a very interesting year.[Read more…]