National Bike Summit 2011: A Simple Solution

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "We are very fortunate that, in these hard economic times, the President knows the economic importance of investing in transportation," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, blogging in advance of his opening presentation at the League of American Bicyclists' National Bike Summit, March 8-10, 2011 in Washington, D.C. LaHood is the first of many impressive speakers at the Summit, from Janette Sadik-Khan (commissioner of the NYC Department of Transportation) and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to Robin Schepper, Executive Director of Michelle Obama's Let's Move Campaign.

"Summit attendees will be reminding their representatives about the direct value of enhancements, safe routes, recreational trails and other Federally-funded projects," said League President Andy Clarke. "More than 700 cycling advocates, supporters and industry executives are coming to D.C. to emphasize the importance of bicycling to new and current members of Congress. Bicycling offers an excellent return on Federal investment, in terms of jobs, economic growth, and a healthier America."

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) will drive this message home during the Summit's Opening Plenary – Acting on a Simple Solution. Blumenauer has been instrumental in the Bike Summit's 11 year history and the advancement of bicycling in our Nation's transportation and health agenda. "I'm thrilled to see how many people are coming out for the National Bike Summit this year. The level of interest in this event is representative of the level of interest in cycling across the country, as people look for commonsense, low-cost solutions to the obesity crisis, shrinking state and local budgets, increased congestion and worsening pollution," said Blumenauer. "I look forward to working with advocates from across the country to find two-wheeled solutions to our national problems."

The National Bike Summit is at the Grand Hyatt Washington on March 8 and 9, and moves to Capitol Hill on Thursday, March 10. It opens with a banquet on the evening of Tuesday, March 8; education sessions and advocacy training are held Wednesday, March 9; the inaugural round of Bicycle Friendly Universities (BFU) will be awarded at Wednesday's luncheon, along with the Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) awards; Capitol Hill meetings fill Thursday, March 10; and the event concludes on Friday, March 11 with a Congressional Bike Ride in honor of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) and in memory of those killed in the Tucson shooting. Congresswoman Giffords is a regular rider and member of the Congressional Bike Caucus.

Please visit bikeleague.org for complete National Bike Summit details and programming. For more information, contact Meghan Cahill at 202.621.5452 or [email protected].

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 57 million American cyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates in more than 600 local bicycling organizations. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.

SOURCE League of American Bicyclists