“Show Congress” Your Bike Month Events

Events are already planned. The buzz is beginning to build. The media is getting interested. But how can you make your 2012 National Bike Month efforts have a lasting impact in your community and beyond? Invite your members of Congress.

With Bike to School Day, Bike to Work Week and the announcement of Bicycle Friendly Communities, there’s no better time to showcase the support for cycling in your community than National Bike Month. And, with the U.S. House of Representatives threatening to eliminate funding for biking and walking in the next federal transportation bill, there’s no better time to make an impression on your members of Congress.

Thanks to YOUR efforts this spring, the U.S. Senate passed a transportation bill that maintains important programs, like Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School. But we still face a tough battle in the House. The current extension expires on September 30 and local advocates will play a critical role in making the case that biking and walking projects and programs are popular and cost-effective uses of federal dollars. Bike Month is the perfect opportunity to do just that!

Whatever great events you have planned for Bike Month, please consider inviting your members of Congress. Extending that invitation will allow you to cultivate your relationships with key elected officials; provide positive media exposure for your organization and your members; and clearly show the support for biking and walking in your member’s district.

To help you in that effort, our partners at America Bikes have compiled a helpful toolkit with all the guidance and templates you need. Visit americabikes.org/show_congress for a sample invitation, a script for talking to your member’s scheduler, media tips, messaging advice, a congressional calendar and more. Please reach out to your members of Congress today!

For questions or further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me: (202) 822-1333 or [email protected].