How To ‘Show Congress’

As August approaches, Washington, D.C., starts to clear out. On August 1, Congress shuts down for a month and members escape the city to return to their districts and meet with constituents to learn what matters to people in their district.  This is a great time to invite your member of Congress to visit a new bike project or program, or to join a local club on a bike ride.

It’s also a great opportunity for advocates to build a mutually beneficial relationship with your Senators and Representatives in your community. The best way to make the connection with your members is to show them how much biking and walking matter to their constituents and their communities. All politics are local, after all.

Inviting a member of Congress to a local event is a great opportunity to build a relationship with your Representative or Senator in a social, fun atmosphere, away from the politically charged environment of Washington — and to show them the benefits biking has brought to your community. You’ll get some press coverage and public recognition of the great work you are doing — and your member of Congress gets to do something positive and public in their district.   

Do you have a new trail opening?  Is there a business district in your town that is christening new bike parking? Perhaps you have an earn a bike program or a community bike ride that highlights local attractions.  If so, consider inviting your Congress. Now is the time.

Not sure where to start? Check out our toolkit — adapted from an America Bikes resource — for helpful hits to make a successful ‘Show Congress’ event. Download it here.

Please be sure to let us know if you’re hosting an event — we’d love to highlight the story and photos on our blog! Email [email protected].