Inviting the next generation to #BikeSummit21

The following blog was written by Henry Dunbar, YBS Steering Committee member, Phoenix Bikes (Arlington, VA) volunteer, and co-host of our #BikeSummit21 youth programming. 

On February 28, during the National Bike Summit, the next generation (ages 21 and under) will be organizing around promoting the issues they deem important for the bicycling advocacy community to address. To enable as many young people as possible to attend #BikeSummit21, advocates 21 years old and younger can register for free, engage in advocacy, and help shape the upcoming Youth Bike Summit planned for later in 2021! 

• Register for free at the youth rate for #BikeSummit21 and plan to attend the “Youth Session” on Sunday, February 28, 1pm-4pm ET, hosted by the Youth Bike Summit and co-lead by the National Youth Bike Council

The Youth Bike Summit (YBS) is a somewhat annual 3-day national conference — tentatively set for Atlanta, GA in October 2021 — which brings together students, educators, advocates, researchers, policy makers and community leaders to gather and share ideas, give youth a voice, and encourage civic engagement and advocacy. Through workshops, presentations, keynote speakers, discussion, and visioning, we transform dialogue into action.

Members of the YBS National Steering Committee commit to fostering this work at both the local and national level, and embrace the values as reflected in the Guiding Principles.

The February 28 youth session at the League’s National Bike Summit will provide a forum for young cyclists and potential YBS attendees to express their views on the most pressing issues facing the bicycle community today, should it be climate change, social justice, lack of equity on our policies and infrastructure, or any other topic they want to highlight. The session will be led by members of the Youth Bike Council–a group of young leaders from various youth communities engaged in cycling.

Learn more about and register for free for #BikeSummit21 to take part in our youth sessions!

Through an open discussion, we will identify ideas to explore more in-depth in breakout sessions in an “un-conference” format. To prepare, you need only bring your ideas and desire to engage with other youth bike advocates. The final hour will be devoted to looking forward to the 2021 YBS and how the topics raised at the Youth Session can continue to be addressed in Atlanta. 

Youth are then encouraged to attend sessions throughout the National Bike Summit, held through March 3, and to participate in Lobby Day where they can engage with lawmakers in Washington. On March 2, after youth have had a chance to attend other sessions, we’ll host a debrief session to share what we’ve learned and how we can take that forward to the YBS. 

While adult advocates are encouraged to attend, the session’s focus and content will be on youth speakers and ideas. 

To participate, register for the National Bike Summit, then bookmark the Youth Session in your agenda!