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Bike Walk Connecticut is the Connecticut State Coordinator for the National Bike Summit being held in Washington, DC on March 3-5. MaryEllen Thibodeau, the Coordinator, is scheduling meetings with our state's senators and representatives on Capitol Hill for all state residents attending the summit. MaryEllen and and Bike Walk Connecticut President Laura Baum will represent you and every Bike Walk Connecticut member when they meet with our elected officials or their aides responsible for transportation issues. They will discuss pending legislation like the Safe Streets Act (see below) and why continued federal support for biking and walking is critical.
The League of American Bicyclists recently sent its members the following message: Last year, the Safe Streets Act (HR 2468) was introduced in the House—and the bill is gaining momentum. Last week, the same bill (S 2004) was introduced in the Senate. The timing is critical because both the House and Senate are drafting transportation bills—and we need complete streets to be included! We were so close in 2012, when the Senate passed a bill including complete streets—but it was stripped out by the House. With bi-partisan support in the House and growing support nationwide, now is the time to make it happen in 2014. Since most of the funds spent on bike projects in Connecticut come from the Federal Government, it's essential that Bike Walk Connecticut be involved on the federal level. We take this role seriously and regularly commit resources to this effort. - Submitted by MaryEllen Thibodeau  Join Bike Walk Connecticut Executive Director Kelly Kennedy at the 13th Annual Nation Bike Summit, which will be held in Washington, DC on march 4-6, 2013. For the past three years, the Connecticut delegation has numbered about 10-12, which was a big enough group for then Congressman and now Senator Chris Murphy to remark that the group was the largest that had visited him to ask for his support. Let’s make sure we have an even bigger group in his office this year!
To get more information about the Summit and to register, go to www.bikeleague.org. Bike shops who are members of the NBDA should ask NBDA about scholarships. Others interested in keeping costs to a minimum can take advantage of home stays, carpooling or using Amtrak or bus. The cost of the Summit includes a seated dinner and lunch as well as two continental breakfasts and a cocktail reception, covering almost all meals during your stay.
Washington has become a very bike friendly place and there is easy access to bike rental facilities. The wrap-up for the Summit is an optional bike ride to Capitol Hill on March 7. |
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