I've just returned from the National Bike Summit in DC. In addition to the celebrities I was able to hobnob with (that's Gary Fisher in the photo above) there were 3 other delegates from WV - Kim Broughton (Parkersburg), Dennis Strawn (Charleston) and Brian (?) from Martinsburg. On Thursday we met with aides for Senators Rockefeller and Byrd, and Representatives Capitio, Mollohan and Rayhall (who met with us personally - photo coming soon). All were very receptive to our requests to support legislation (Safe Routes to Schools, Active Communities Transportation and Complete Streets) , joining the bike caucus and supporting increased funding for non-motorized transportation (NMT). WV leads the country from the bottom with 0.2% NMT funding yet 8% of trips are non-motorized (14% in Morgantown). It was a great big deal when Sec. LaHood made the following proclamation at the closing reception: "People across America who value bicycling should have a voice when it comes to transportation planning. This is the
end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized.” Let's get this message out in Morgantown - tell everyone, not just bureacrats, because leaders will make the changes demanded by the people who elect them.
More breaking news on the new DOT bike/ped policy at this link:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bikeped/policy_accom.htm
The 10 mile bike ride on Friday was a great success in spite of threatening rain (which didn't amount to anything). I was the sole West Virginian on the ride, my "mountaineer tough" compatriots skipped out, I have pictures of the young family who stuck it out for the ride - just to make them feel (justifiably) guilty.
Thank you!
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