I Bike, I Vote: Bike Summit Delegates Hone Message to Congress

Standing-room only crowds attended three National Bike Summit panel sessions called, “I Bike, I Vote: Here’s My Ask,” to hear about the official Summit request of Congress and learn how to build relationships with Congressional staffers.

Caron Whitaker of America Bikes and Margo Pedroso of the Safe Routes to School National Partnership briefed the audience on the House and Senate transportation bills and Kristina Kibler of the International Mountain Bike Association discussed the Recreational Trails programs.

Two Congressional legislative assistants, Tyler Frisbee (Rep. Blumenauer) and Ben Brockschmidt (Rep. Tim Johnson), provided the perspective of Congressional staffer. The bottom line? Build relationships with the staff – they’ll be your best advocate with the member of Congress – and follow up, follow up, follow up.

The advocates asked great, informed questions and were clearly ready to make the case to Congress tomorrow. “It was so impressive to have three different sessions full of knowledgeable and committed advocates,” said Margo Pedroso. “I look forward to following up with Hill offices after they have heard from these impressive advocates.”

Here’s our ask:

House:

• Will you support a clean extension of the transportation bill?
• Will you vote for the Petri Amendment?

Senate:

• Will you support a clean extension?
• If the Senator voted for MAP-21, which included the Cardin-Cochran Amendment, say thank you!