Now is the time to register for the National Bike Summit. The Early Bird registration ends on Thursday, February 3. With bicycling possibly under threat in the new Congress, we need a really strong showing in Washington, D.C. Be part of the largest bicycling delegation Washington has ever seen. To secure the discounted Early Bird rate, register now.

If you would like to promote the National Bike Summit on your Web site or print newsletters, e-mail Meghan for materials.

Last week, League staff attended the 90th Annual Transportation Research Board Meeting and saw many of the two dozen committee meetings, panels and poster sessions on bicycle and pedestrian research. There were presentations on innovative bicycle treatments and what influences the decision on when and where to bicycle, the latter including GPS-based research in Portland and bike facilities in large cities. It is great to see that interest in bicycling and walking research continues to grow.

TRB also attracts a significant number of international non-motorized experts to Washington, D.C. for the week. The World Bank was host to one interesting gathering where the World Health Organization identified the need to quantify the effect of transportation on public health and called for a better assessment of the co-benefits of bicycling.

The good news is that Transportation & Infrastructure Committee chairman John Mica has announced a series of listening sessions and hearings around the country to help shape the next transportation bill. The bad news is that there are precious few details about how to participate in those sessions yet! We'll keep you posted as those emerge, but if you happen to have a close relationship with the members of Congress in whose districts these will happen...you just might want to give them a quick call and ask that non-motorized transportation issues get an airing. See the League's blog for other updates.

The Bikes Belong Foundation has announced a new grant program to fund research on the economic impact of bicycling facilities and events. The Bicycle Research Grant Program will award a total of $40,000 in grants to academic or nonprofit research institutions in 2011. Grants will range from $5,000 to $10,000.

Humana Inc. has become a premier sponsor of peopleforbikes.org. Humana's sponsorship will allow the campaign's effort to grow in 2011 and work to unite 1 million bicyclists of all riding styles and abilities. Peopleforbikes.org has already generated more than 175,000 pledges.

The League club webinar series was developed to help club leaders and volunteers.

February 8: Marketing
We'll discuss website, newsletter, and other outreach, with a focus on Bike Month and Bike to Work Day, in May. Panelists to include Greg Billing of the Washington Area Bicyclists Association and Griff Baute of the Bluegrass Cycling Club. Register now!

The time to purchase new 2011 insurance or to renew your existing insurance is now! American Specialty has put together a great package for 2011, available only to League affiliates. Check out the 2011 brochure (PDF) for all the details and an application form. Read our FAQs for common questions. 

Watch the January 11 webinar on the insurance package here. Please contact us for further information.

D.C.'s Capital Bikeshare is hiring a General Manager. Learn more about the job.

The SDCBC is looking to fill their Executive Director position. Learn more about this job.

The MORPC is seeking to fill their Planner position for the Transportation Department. Learn more about this job.

After seven years, Christine Culver has announced that she is stepping down as Executive Director of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition. Contact the SCBC about this job.

Toole Design Group is currently recruiting a senior civil engineer for their Hyattsville, Md. office. View full description. 

The AARP Public Policy Institute is seeking applicants for a Senior Policy Research Analyst to join the Livable Communities/Long-Term Care Team. Find out more through AAA's Career Center.

Columbus Outdoor Pursuits is hiring a full-time Bike Event Coordinator. Read the description here. 

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.