February 25, 2013
Greetings!

We are just one week away from our favorite event of the year -- the National Bike Summit. Excitement is rising as all the meetings and materials come together and last minute registrations are entered. We are inspired anew every year by the events that happen around the Summit as well; and this year's National Women's Bicycling Forum is raising the bar even further. We can't wait for the action to start!

  
Sincerely,  

 


Andy Clarke

League President

League News 

Last Call: Save Money and Sign Up for National Bike Summit Online; Web Registration Ends Wednesday

Online registration for the 2013 National Bike Summit ends at 5 p.m. EST on Wednesday. Don't miss the premiere bicycle advocacy event of the year -- register today! The current price is $475 for League members and $575 for non-members, but those prices will increase $100 for on-site registration. 
 
The 2013 program is packed with leaders from bicycle advocacy, industry and government, including key members of Congress, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, New York City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, and Managing Director of AAA's Public Relations, Yolanda Cade.

Don't miss these great speakers and more- register today!

Bike Summit Preview: A Sneak Peek into Bicycling Means Business

 
The National Bike Summit has some incredible headliners -- U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI), AAA's Yolanda Cade, and more. But, there's so much more to the Summit than the amazing keynote speakers.

The 2013 Summit includes our most diverse array of workshops yet, sure to spur ideas and advance progress in your community. Here is just a small sampling of some of the great sessions at the Summit:

Fewer than 50 Spots Left: Register Now for the National Women's Bicycling Forum          

We couldn't be more excited about the high-powered line-up of keynote speakers at the National Women's Bicycling Forum, including  Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, NYC Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and industry trailblazer Georgena Terry.  

 

But that's just the start of the discussion at this full-day event. We'll also feature conversations on topics like Community-Based Bicycle Advocacy: Building the Bike Movement from the Ground Up; and Making Bike Retail More Welcoming to Women.  

 

If you like TED talks, you'll love our Bike/Ignite sessions, featuring inspiring leaders, like Leah Shahum, Executive Director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition; Jennifer Toole, President of Toole Design Group; Susan Otcenas, founder of TeamEstrogen.com and others!

 

Plus, we'll have a Women Bike Pop-Up Shop, featuring 20 female entrepreneurs selling their bike-centric wares.  

 

Don't wait -- spots are filling fast and online registration closes on Wednesday. See the full program here and register today!

 

Women Bike Webinar: The Economic Impact of Women Bicyclists      
      

In preparation for the Women Mean Business theme for the National Women's Bicycling Forum, our next Women Bike webinar will explore the results of the 2012 American Bicyclist Survey with authors Elliot Gluskin and Jay Townley. Learn more about the tremendous economic impact of women on the current, and more importantly, the future of the bicycle movement. Join us at 2 p.m. EST on Wednesday for "Women Mean Business: The Economic Impact of Women Bicyclists." Register today!

 

Meet League Staff, New Board Members at Summit Member Meeting

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Join the League for its annual member meeting on Tuesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. during the National Bike Summit. This is your chance to meet League staff, members of the Board of Directors and our new Equity Advisory Council. Register for the Summit and come say hello!

Host a Local Challenge as Part of 2013 National Bike Challenge


Last year's inaugural National Bike Challenge united more than 30,000 bicyclists to ride more than 12 million miles. This tremendous success was, in large part, due to the dedication and efforts of local bike groups. We're gearing up for the 2013 Challenge now -- and we need your help! If your group would like to host a Local Challenge in 2013, click here to fill out an application by March 1. Learn more about the Challenge here.

Federal, State & Local Advocacy
Take Action: National Goal to Reduce Bike Fatalities

 

Join the League and other bicycle groups by calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation to set specific national safety goals for bicyclists and pedestrians. The number of bike and pedestrian fatalities has risen over the two past years, while overall traffic deaths have gone down dramatically, meaning a rise from 6 to 12 percent for bike/ped fatalities. We think a 50 percent reduction in bike/ped fatalities by 2020 is both an attainable and necessary goal. Take action today.

 

Dear Mr. President: Please Continue LaHood's Legacy

  

Outgoing U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (pictured) has been a strong supporter of biking and walking. That's why the League, and other bike-ped advocacy organizations, are calling on President Barack Obama to find a successor who will honor and continue LaHood's legacy on bicycling. Join our call today, and see LaHood speak at the 2013 National Bike Summit.

 

Bike Law University: Helmet Mandate Laws

 

The state of Maryland could be the first to pass a law mandating helmet use for all bicyclists regardless of age. With all the buzz around the legislation and the League's new focus on bike laws, we decided to take a look at this hot topic as part of our "Bike Law University" series. Read more and see where your state stands.

 

Navigating MAP-21 at the Summit and Beyond

 

The 2013 National Bike Summit offers an opportunity for advocates across the country to come together and discuss how to navigate the new federal transportation bill, MAP-21. Advocacy Advance, a partnership between the Alliance for Biking & Walking and the League, hosted a webinar last week on MAP-21 and how to take advantage of all the Summit has to offer on the topic. Catch up on the tips here.

Upcoming State and Local Bike Summits

Things are about to heat up in the state legislature and advocates are gearing up to ensure that bicyclists have a voice in policy-making at all levels. Don't miss a state or local bike summit in your area:  

Are you attending or organizing a bike summit in your city or state? Email [email protected] so we can include your event in upcoming E-news!

 
Partner News   
Congressional Briefing: Lessons from the Green Lane
 

With declining revenues and growing demands on transportation systems, city leaders are exploring new approaches to mobility -- including protected infrastructure or "green lanes." Hosted by the Bikes Belong Green Lane Project, the National Bike Summit will include a congressional briefing on the benefits of green lanes at 3:30 p.m. on March 6th. Click here for more information.


Alliance Hosts Advocacy Awards Reception   

 

The Alliance for Biking & Walking will hold its 2013 Advocacy Awards Reception on March 4  at RFD in Washington, D.C. on the first night of the National Bike Summit. The awards program, launched in 2009, recognizes organizations that have shown excellence in the bicycle and pedestrian movement. Click here to learn more.   

 

Bike Tourism Happy Hour  

 
Take part in a bike tourism-focused happy hour during the 2013 National Bike Summit. All those interested in or engaged in bike tourism are welcome to join at 6 p.m. on March 5 at the Passenger (1020 7th St. NW). RSVP today! 

Transportation for America Hosts Webinar on Tapping Federal Funds for Rural Communities

 

The new federal transportation bill, MAP-21, has shifted the landscape when it comes to bicycle advocates tapping federal funds. But how can the bill be used to strengthen rural communities? Transportation for America is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, February 27, at 1 p.m. EST to offer tips and guidance on just that question. Register today.

 


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Share this American Bicyclist Update with your cycling friends and fellow bike commuters. The generous support from the League's members make publications like this possible. Join the League today.

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.
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