----- Original Message -----

From: American Bicyclist Update

To: jdietrich1@...

Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2008 10:32 AM

Subject: National Bike Summit 2008: Climbing Capitol Hill

National Bike Summit | Climbing Capitol Hill

Registration & Opening Keynote | Tuesday, March 4

Sessions & Networking | Wednesday, March 5

Capitol Hill Day | Thursday, March 6

Congressional Bike Ride | Friday, March 7

National Bike Summit

Climbing Capitol Hill

At the 2008 National Bike Summit, we will continue the ambitious effort to advance a vision for America that promotes the idea that bicycling has a role to play in meeting our nation�s transportation, health, energy, and environmental goals.

At a time when our nation, our cities, and individuals across the country are crying out for solutions to climate change, energy dependence, the obesity epidemic, air pollution, and congestion, you would think that bicycling would be rising to the fore as a practical, viable and welcome solution. Instead, we find there are still many significant obstacles, such as having to defend the very rights of cyclists to be on the road, to overcome before bicycling can break through as a mainstream transportation mode.

We need to raise the level of discussion about bicycling to the point where it is seen as being in the public interest, not just a narrow special interest, to promote the activity for transportation, recreation, and health. To do that, we need YOU to join us at the 2008 National Bike Summit to call on Congress to adopt a Statement of National Purpose that embraces the vision that bicycling plays a role in keeping our population fit and healthy and ensures them an overall improved quality of living.

** Please note the following change in hotel information. In lieu of the Capitol Hilton, we now have rooms blocked at the Hilton Washington, 1919 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. Tel: 202-483-3000 Fax: 202-232-0438. Rates are single/double: $249/$269 Also, please be aware that the cut-off dates for room block rates are as follows:
Hilton Washington: Feb. 2
Sofitel: Feb. 4
Holiday Inn Rosslyn/Key Bridge: Feb. 5

Registration & Orientation

Tuesday, March 4

3 p.m. - 6 P.m. Registration Opens

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 P.m. Orientation for first-time Attendees

If this is your first time in Washington, or you need a refresher on how things work in this town, plan on attending this informal advocacy orientation. Andy Clarke, League of American Bicyclists, and others will walk you through what to expect and how to get the most out of the Summit and your Congressional meetings.

6 p.m. - 8:30 P.m. Opening Keynote Dinner

In response to many suggestions from Summit attendees, we will kick off this year�s National Bike Summit on Tuesday, March 4, with a keynote dinner. This will allow attendees to enjoy a relaxed and fun evening prior to embarking on a full day of educational workshops and advocacy issue training on Wednesday.

Sessions & Networking

Wednesday, March 5

7 a.m. Registration And Continental Breakfast

8 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. General Session

� Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
volving these two modes by ten percent. In an inspiring opening session, we�ll explore the impact of the NBWS and discuss how interagency leadership can reinvigorate efforts to encourage more people to bicycle on and off the road.

9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Breakout Sessions

The 100 Year Vision for Parks and Public Lands: The Future of our National Parks and Federal Lands

Two back-to-back workshops will include participation from federal land management agencies and user groups. The goal is to begin to develop a framework for federal agencies to work closer together, begin developing broad legislative language and begin to lay out the ideal Centennial Vision.

Promoting Cyclists� Rights � Responsibilities and Protection under the Law

A national strategy to promote bicycling must address the legal status of bicyclists and the protection they are afforded by laws and the entire judicial system. That strategy must also reverse the trend of ever-more distracted/unfit drivers on our roads and the blind eye we collectively turn to them. Panelists will discuss how this national need can be translated into state and local action.

Putting the Green in GrassRoots: Engaging the Community

One of the most powerful things we can do to advance America�s journey to embrace bicycling is to actively engage residents, business leaders, and elected officials at the local level. This panel will showcase strategies, technology, and leadership initiatives that elevate and amplify our message.

Rethinking Transportation & The Role of Bicycling in World Class Cities

There is a fundamental shift occurring in transportation. The future of travel demands will be fundamentally different for reasons such as climate change, rising fuel prices, increased congestion, and health and fitness concerns. A number of large U.S. Cities have announced initiatives to address these issues that incorporate bicycling as an integral part of daily life.

11:15 a.m. Breakout Sessions

The 100 Year Vision for Parks and Public Lands: The future of our National Parks and Federal Lands

Improving Flexibility in State Transportation Finance

How can states take more control of their destiny with regards to building bicycling infrastructure? On four separate occasions over the past two years, the federal government has required states to return federal transportation funding that was un-obligated. This process has resulted in disproportionate cuts to major sources of funding for bicycle facilities and communities across the county. However, some states have transcended this problem, and are doing a better job of responding to the need to fund bicycle related projects.

Safe Routes to Schools

Participants will learn how the Federal Program will present on SRTS outcomes to Congress; the latest about state progress on SRTS; evaluation tools; how to form a SRTS state network to leverage additional resources; and how local and state regulations about school siting affect if students even if they have the ability to walk or bicycle to schools. This workshop will also feature guidelines for gathering success stories about SRTS and planning Congressional visits to highlight the program in action. There will also be an opportunity for questions and discussion about local and state successes and challenges.

Blueprint for Building A Bicycle Friendly America

Bicycling is a very simple solution to many complicated problems in the world. We have a unique opportunity right now to transform communities to take advantage of the amazing benefits of bicycling. The BFC program is inspiring just such actions. We must engage states, companies, trail advocates, and bicycle dealers at unprecedented levels.

12:45 P.m. - 2:15 P.M. Keynote Luncheon

� Greg Nickels, Mayor of Seattle (invited)

Mayor Nickels has been a passionate advocate of providing alternatives to driving and has successfully implemented innovative ideas in Seattle to make it safer to bicycle. He is also a national leader in the effort to address global climate change and works closely with the local cycling community in Seattle through his recently launched Climate Action Now campaign�. Mayor Nickels is also very active in the US Conference of Mayors and will be their Vice President in 2008 and President in 2009.

2:30 P.m. - 3:45 P.M. Breakout Sessions

Elections 2008: What Role Can We Play

The Congressional elections of 2008 provide a great opportunity to educate national leaders on the importance of developing a national bicycling strategy. This panel will provide valuable insight on what we in the bicycling community can do to get bike issues on the candidate�s platforms. Discussions will include; reaching out to the media; candidate surveys; volunteering on campaigns, what non-profit organizations can and cannot do.

Growing Non-Motorized Infrastructure & Local Financing Strategies

As federal and state transportation budgets continue to be constrained, what can be done at the local level to finance bicycle facilities? A number of initiatives have been undertaken to support state and local efforts to stimulate investments in alternative transportation. This panel will highlight a number of those initiatives.

Getting More People Riding/Two Mile Challenge

The greatest potential for increased bicycle usage is in our major urban areas, where 40 percent of trips are 2 miles or less and 28 percent are just 1 mile or less. This session will highlight programs and initiatives that are addressing the mode shift challenge.

Complete Streets

This session will highlight some of the most recent successes at the state and local level to include safe bicycling and walking facilities in all projects in urbanized areas. There are also a number of efforts being undertaken at the federal level that we will highlight.

4:15 P.m. - 5 P.m.Issue & Advocacy Training

Summit participants will visit their members of Congress on Thursday with a strong agenda. The issue training will show attendees how to speak about cycling and a national bicycling strategy, while also asking for specific support for our national strategy, and your local ones.

5 P.m. - 6 P.M. State Delegation Coordination

This is the session where you plan your route for Hill visits the following day; agree on who�s going to which meetings; and practice who says what to whom during the meetings. Don�t miss this important opportunity to connect with colleagues from your state � and make sure you leave the best impression possible with your states� Representatives and Senators.

6 P.m. - 7 P.m. IMBA Delegation Roundup

6:30 P.m. - 8 P.M. League Annual Meeting

The League is pleased to be hosting our annual membership meeting in conjunction with the National Bike Summit. Come and find out what else the League does beside the Summit! Meet the board and staff, and mingle with fellow League members. We�ll have a short program and entertaining speaker as well as light refreshments.

Capitol Hill Day

Thursday, March 6

8 a.m. - 9 A.M. Breakfast and Rally

We'll start the day off right with a rousing breakfast and an inspiring speech at the Rayburn House Office Building (in room B340) featuring several congressmen.

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Congressional meetings throughout the day (The League will coordinate these meetings)

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Alternate Session � Bicycle Friendly Community Training Workshop
(at the International Trade Center)

For Summit participants who are not lobbying, this workshop will examine the League's Bicycle Friendly Community program and discuss the different aspects of applying to become a BFC.

5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Congressional Reception

Come meet your Senators and Representatives, chat with bicycling experts from around the country, and enjoy the hospitality of the National Bike Summit.

Congressional Bike Ride

Friday, March 7

8:30 a.m. - 10:30 A.M. Congressional Bike Ride

Hosted by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, this ride is always a highlight of the National Bike Summit. Meet at Grant Memorial (Union Square) in front of Capitol. Pedal around historic Washington, DC and our national monuments with Summit attendees, the Congressional Bike Caucus, and staff. The ride ends in the same place. There are bikes available to rent, and the weather is usually lovely, so plan to bike. There will be a happy hour afterward, for those who can stay.