The American League of Bicyclists’ annual National Bike Summit is underway in Washington D.C., and the theme of this year’s conference is “Save Cycling.”
Through much of their 132 year history, the League of American Bicyclists has been advocating for the interests of the biking public. This conference is no different — the focus of the three-day event is on federal funding of biking and walking and what kind of funding is needed to keep up decades of progress towards creating a more bike-friendly America. The League also produced a short video on this year’s conference.
With more than 57 million cyclists on the road today, bicycling is definitely becoming more popular and getting more attention. Between 2000 and 2008, bicycle commuting increased by 43 percent nationwide. Cities like Portland, Minneapolis, and Chicago – leaders in the effort to create bicycle facilities – saw increases greater than 100 percent.
GMTMA is doing its part at the local level, renting out bike lockers and promoting bicycling in our region with our Green Commuter Rewards program. We’re working with schools involved in the Safe Routes to School program, trying to get kids walking and biking as early as possible. We’re also planning a number of activities for Bike Month (the month of May); stay tuned to this blog and our website for information coming soon.