This year, the League of American Bicyclists is taking the National Bike Summit online. While the energy of being in Washington D.C. will be missed by many, a virtual conference opens it up for many who can’t afford the travel expenses.

The conference starts on Sunday and goes through Wednesday. If you are a league member, registration only costs $60! Not a member? Here’s a couple deals for you to consider….

• If you’re under 21, the entire conference is FREE. You read that right!

• If you’re over 21 and not a member… You can become a member for $45, get the $60 price and still save $75. You can buy a membership with the League here.

This year’s theme is Bicycles: A Vehicle for Change. I am excited because not only will this be my first time attending, Jimmy and I will also be presenting on Sunday regarding the ACHD Election and our involvement as a 501(c)3! The National Bike Summit is a great way to meet advocates from around the country, learn about what tools and strategies other groups are using, and to come together and make bicycling safer for all, everywhere in the United States.

Here are some sessions I am excited about:

• Taking Enforcement out of the 5 E’s: This will be a town hall style discussion on the League’s decision to change Enforcement to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, recognizing that enforcement does not equal safety for Black, Indigenous and POC. Its important for every leader within their bike community to understand this change, and this will be a great opportunity to discuss how this impacts our work within bicycle advocacy.

• Slow Streets and Quick Builds: Infrastructure in the Age of COVID: One of my favorite urban planning story to come out of 2020 was the city of Oakland’s success in infrastructure investments through their Slow Streets program. Because traffic levels went town, they were able to soft close miles of streets to cars, allowing neighborhoods to walk, bike and play along their streets safely. Learn more about it here.

• Bicycles as a Vehicle of Growth and Exploration - Inspiring Stories of Youth Expanding their World by Bike and How the Programs Operate: This session aligns so much with BBP’s mission, that its a no brainer that I’m stoked for this one. Our friends at Bike Works in Seattle will discuss their Bike Touring Camps, and the BRAG Dream Team of Georgia will talk about their statewide ride.

• Hill Day: Hill Day is typically the day advocates in D.C. meet with their representatives to ask for their support on national legislation that involves bicycling. This will be my first time lobbying, and the Idaho team will be lead by Cynthia Gibson of Idaho Walk Bike Alliance and Lisa Brady of Safe Routes to School and Treasure Valley Cycling Alliance. The two main bills we will be discussing is the Transportation Alternative Enhancement Act and the SAFE Streets Act.

There are so many more sessions to check out, and if you are hoping to join I recommend you becoming a League member and getting the discount to the Summit. We hope to (virtually) see you there!