Photo by MoBikeFed
From March 10th to the 13th, hundreds of bike entusiasts attended the League of American Bicyclists National Bike Summit in Washington D.C. Kristi Felts Moore represented ABC and I showed up in time to ride in the Congressional Bike Ride which is the final event of the conference. This was the ninth National Bike Summit, and each year the event gets bigger and better. This year many opportunities lie ahead. With the inauguration of a new President and the swearing in of a new Congress just months ago, the political climate has changed. There is a tremendous sense of hope that we are entering a new era of transformative policy change, even as we face challenging economic issues.
As our country contemplates how to spend billions of dollars to stimulate the economy, we have clear choices. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood addressed the summit, noting that the DOT will be "a full partner in working toward livable communities". But Federal money is trickling down to state and local governments and opportunities abound for local spending on infrastructure supporting bicycling. Bicyclists appreciate the positive impacts that cycling can have on health, the environment, and the economy. But we need to promote this view so that those who are making decisions about our future consider all users of the transportation system, particularly bicyclists and pedestrians. I encourage everyone to take some time to think about how you can influence those in government, at all levels, to support bicycling.
On a more personal note, I feel compelled to confess that my inner Boy Scout failed me, and I showed up for the Congressional Bike Ride woefully under prepared. I've often said, "Its difficult to justify good cold-and-wet weather riding gear when you live in Phoenix, but it's impossible to test it." Maybe I've just been living here too long, but I dismissed the need for full-finger gloves. It's Spring! Right? The daffodils are just about to bloom. Right? It was almost 90 degrees when I left Phoenix, but it started snowing on me during the ride. It was just flurries and the roads weren't slippery, but I was cold. I don't know if my blood really is any thinner for living in the desert but my fingers and toes were really complaining. On a more postive note, it was a treat to ride in our nation's capitol among some of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
Locally, the spring equinox is behind us and for those who avoid riding with lights, it's getting lighter earlier and staying lighter longer so there are more opportunities to ride. If you've been hybernating and haven't yet emerged for the Spring, hesitate no longer.
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