Washington, D.C. - March 3, 2014 - Bicycle commuting is booming nationwide, with more than 60% growth since 2000. Already more than 1 in 5 Americans live in a Bicycle Friendly Community and more than 1 million workers are employed by a Bicycle Friendly Business.   

• U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx 
• Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
• Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ)
• Jack Wells, Chief Economist, U.S. Department of Transportation
• Texas Sen. Rodney Ellis
• Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto  
• Madison Mayor Paul Soglin 
• Phillip Darnton, Executive Director, Bicycle Association of Great Britain   

"The National Bike Summit unites an increasingly diverse and bipartisan movement around a single idea: the bicycle is a simple solution to many complex problems," says League President, Andy Clarke. "We're focused on telling that story more effectively, sharing winning strategies to end political gridlock, and ensuring the benefits of bicycling can be enjoyed by all in society."

  

This year, the Summit comes at a key moment -- as Congress begins work on the next federal transportation bill, which directs billions in spending on our nation's infrastructure. But that's not all. Also before Congress, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Act would enhance safety for people who walk and bike by setting a national goal to reduce fatalities, while the Safe Streets Act would ensure that roads are built with ALL users in mind. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are also considering a ground-breaking bipartisan bill, introduced by Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ), focused on bike equity and building infrastructure in underserved communities.

 

"Transportation trends are changing -- and we need a transportation system built for the future, not the past," says Caron Whitaker, the League's Vice President of Government Relations. "As more young Americans put off getting a license, more families choose to live downtown, and older Americans choose to age in place, we're asking Congress to pass a bill that creates safe, affordable and healthy transportation choices for all."

Today, the Summit also includes the National Women's Bicycling Forum, now in its third year, showcasing the leadership and innovation of more than two dozen female leaders from across the nation. Speakers will include:

• Shannon Galpin, a 2013 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and founder of Mountain2Mountain
• Terry O'Neill, president of the National Organization for Women
• Shellie Pfohl, Executive Director, President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition
• Lela Rose, internationally known fashion designer and city cycling icon
• Leah Flickinger, Executive Editor of Bicycling magazine