This was my third time at the National Bike Summit and Lobby Day, hosted by the League of American Bicyclists. Part family reunion, part pep rally, this was again an excellent opportunity to see how the work we do in Vermont connects to that of our peers across the country, and is all tied together with federal policy efforts.

We lucked out again this year with the cherry blossoms in full bloom, but their beauty was countered by the presence of the National Guard across the Capitol area and giant banners on some federal buildings.

Some of the highlights of the Summit for me included networking with other attendees, riding bikes across the incredible bike infrastructure in Washington and across the Potomac River, and more formal learning from my peers and national leaders. 

I was thrilled to be joined by more Vermonters this year, including VT bike advocate Bevin Barber-Campbell and Luis Vivanco, Anthropology professor at UVM. Bevin and I participated in the Lobby Day, meeting with staffers from Senator Welch, Senator Sanders, and Representative Balint’s office. This year the key points we were asked to discuss included: 

1. Keeping a robust and distinct Transportation Alternatives Program, and passing the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Safety Act, which would allow municipalities to use highway safety money as a local match for bike/ped infrastructure projects (see fact sheet here). 
2. Looking for House sponsors for the Safe Streets and Roads for All Reauthorization Act (see fact sheet here). Funds from this program have allowed several Vermont Regional Planning Commissions and the City of Burlington to develop safety plans, which are a critical component to making infrastructure projects happen, once funds are available. 
3. Maintaining the Vulnerable Road User special rule (see fact sheet here). In Vermont, we last received funds in 2023 when there were a higher number of fatalities among bicyclists and pedestrians. These “special” dollars went to fund aspects of the Colchester Exit 16 area to make it safer for pedestrians and to extend a shared use path between Bennington College and downtown Bennington, among other projects.

A few notable quotes from the week include:

• “When we build for people, not just for cars, things really change.”  Rodney Ellis, Harris County Commissioner, Houston, Texas
• “Taking a bike ride should not be a life or death choice.” - Dan Langenkamp 
• “Joy and fun are powerful forces.” - Kori Johnson, Safe Routes Partnership
• “Despite all of the bad out there, and set backs, we are seeing wins in the war [on Cars].” - Doug Gordon, War on Cars podcaster

The closing ride of the Summit was combined with a protest, as President Trump has asked the National Park Service to close the incredibly popular (and notably safe) protected bike lane on 15th Street, adjacent to the White House. Local advocates are fighting back, and it felt great to support their efforts during our gathering. 

I’ve once again come home with a notebook full of follow up tasks, learnings from other organizations that we might be able to apply in Vermont, and a renewed sense that we are making progress…. In Vermont and in the country, despite various headwinds.