New League Staff: Meet Will Simpson

Meet the newest member of the League’s team: Will Simpson! As our new Federal Policy Fellow, Will supports the League’s policy and communications teams on federal advocacy, bill tracking, and research. He brings valuable experience working in the Connecticut state legislature, along with a Master’s in Public Policy from American University. An avid gravel cyclist, Will is passionate about using active transportation to make communities healthier, more sustainable, and more connected.

We’re thrilled to have his thoughtful perspective and enthusiasm for bikes shaping our federal policy work — read on to get to know Will!

What inspired you to pursue working in bike advocacy and transportation policy?

The numerous policy issues that bikes can help address sparked my interest in cycling and active transportation advocacy. Whether it is the way that a robust bikeshare system can help to solve the ‘last mile’ issue in public transit or how electric bikes allow more people to commute longer distances by bicycle, two-wheeled transportation is key to making our communities healthier and more accessible. 

What’s your first memory of riding a bike?

My first memory of riding a bike was on this (oversized) bike when I was several years old. My dad and my grandpa thought that I was ready to go without the training wheels, so they let me loose without them in my grandpa’s cul-de-sac. The only issue was that I had not yet learned how to brake. So shortly thereafter, I crashed into the curb, which brought tears to my eyes and a scolding from my dad and my grandpa’s spouses. 

What does your bike journey look like? What got you into biking as an adult?

I grew up mountain biking in Northern California with my dad. Still, once I moved to Connecticut in middle school and became more involved in organized sports, I fell out of the habit of riding regularly. It was not until the pandemic that I rediscovered my passion for cycling. I have been logging gravel and mountain bike miles each week ever since!

What are some of your favorite routes and trails to explore?

For a more extended excursion, I love to explore the miles of hilly unpaved roads surrounding the Frederick City Watershed in Maryland, piecing together new routes. I am also particularly fond of the Watershed, which is home to an incredible network of flowy downhill mountain bike trails. 

For rides closer to the District, I enjoy going on out-and-backs on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath. How quickly you can go from a bustling cityscape in Georgetown to the serene, natural riverfront is incredible every time. 

What bike are you riding now, and what inspires you about cycling?

Right now, my primary bike is a Canyon Grizl gravel bike that doubles as a commuter bike. I also have an old (but reliable!) 2004 Specialized mountain bike that I use for rougher terrain and singletrack. 

What inspires me about cycling is how much you can experience during a longer ride – new sights, sounds, and smells. It is particularly enthralling because many of the sensory experiences are things that you may otherwise miss if you were traveling by car. I am also inspired by discovering new places I would not have otherwise encountered if it were not for riding – that bike-friendly café down the road from your favorite climb, or the farm stand off a little-traveled country gravel road. But, perhaps most importantly, I am inspired by connecting with those who share the love of cycling. 

What do you hope to take away from your year-long fellowship with the League?

I hope to gain a more complete understanding of the U.S. active transportation landscape, as well as the various ways the League fits into the field. I also hope to learn how best to continue advocating for bicycle-friendly policy solutions after this role.