National Bike Summit
I just returned from the National Bike Summit in Washington DC. The summit is the annual gathering of bicycle advocates from across the country. The 1stday was dedicated to speeches and seminars. We were fortunate to hear from the new Secretary of Transportation Ray La Hood who offered a very optimistic speech about the Obama administration’s embracing a more bicycle friendly transportation policy. Day 2 was the dedicated advocacy day where by state we all descended on Capitol Hill to lobby our elected officials to support bicycling friendly initiatives. We met with aides of all 4 members of Maine’s delegation, both Senators Olympia Snow and Susan Collins, as well Representative Chellie Pingree. Despite some long held cynicisms about the effectiveness of the government it is quite refreshing and uplifting to realize that our elected officials are accesible and willing to listen to concerns of constituents.