Don’t Take Our Word For It: “I Always Learn Something at the Summit”

The National Bike Summit is the premier bicycle advocacy event of the year — but don’t take my word for it.

I got in touch with Diane Lees (pictured) to get her take on why she attends the Summit. Diane does a lot for the bicycling movement, from hosting her weekly radio show, OutspokenCyclist, to co-owning Hubbub Custom Bicycles, a store that caters to handcrafting custom bicyclists for all types of riders.

Stay tuned for a new interview each week to see why industry, advocates, and club folk all come to this great conference!

What brought you to the Summit for the first time?

I originally attended the Summit from the retailer’s perspective; I own a bike shop. In 2012, though, I attended as a part of the media, representing my weekly radio show The Outspoken Cyclist. The Summit is one of the ways I support bicycle advocacy. It’s a unique opportunity to  see other attendees, listen to presentations, and meet my legislators face-to-face.

How many years have you been coming to the Summit?

Four

Is there anything you’ve learned or seen at the Summit that’s really stuck with you?

I always learn something at the Summit. And, each time I attend, I take away another piece of the advocacy puzzle to bring back to my customers and listeners. I’m engaged in advocacy year round, and the Summit offers me a chance to find new people to interview on my show, as well as further the conversation.

What’s your favorite part about the Summit?

Last year it was the honor of attending the Bike PAC meeting on behalf of my delegation to present Congressman Steve LaTourette with an award. I’m sorry to see him leave government.  The keynote presentations are always interesting and fun, too. And anyone who hasn’t met Stephanie Vance (The Advocacy Guru) is in for a real treat! [Stephanie does a presentation each year to get the crowd pumped up to go to Capitol Hill.]

What advice would you give to someone considering coming to the Summit for the first time?

Because it’s impossible to attend every session at the Summit, I would suggest that a new attendee take a long and good look at the choices and begin to formulate a direction s/he would like to pursue as a bicycle advocate. Among the many break-out sessions something will grab you. Pay attention to that and add those sessions that help to shape a message you want to bring back home.

Will you be attending in 2013?

YES, I will!

The Summit is less than three months away — and now is the time to register at the early bird rate to save $100! Join Diane, save some green and make sure you’re part of the most exciting even of the year: Register today!