Nearly 400 advocates for better biking gathered in Washington, DC, on March 11-13 for the 25th National Bike Summit. With current threats to federal funding for bicycling and walking projects, this was a critical time to raise our voices. Over the course of three days, we participated in discussions, workshops, and advocacy efforts to ensure that biking remains a priority in national transportation policies.
Day 1: Exploring DC and Opening Plenary
The Summit kicked off with a DC Orientation and Hidden Gems Tour, starting at the MLK Jr. Memorial Library and leading us through key sites, including the U.S. Capitol Building and lesser-known monuments like the original FDR and Lincoln Memorials, the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, and the Jefferson Pier. This ride set the stage for a weekend focused on biking infrastructure and policy.
Next, we attended a breakout session on “Separated Bike Lanes on Higher Speed Roadways: A Toolkit and Guide,” presented by experts from the District Department of Transportation and Kittelson & Associates. Research highlighted the safety benefits of separated bike lanes, particularly on high-speed roads, and provided best practices for implementation.
That afternoon, we gathered for the Opening Plenary, “Scaling Our Efforts to Build a Bicycle Friendly America for All, Faster.” Keynote speakers included Wes Marshall, PhD, PE, author of Killed by a Traffic Engineer, and Hahrie Han, PhD, from Johns Hopkins University. They addressed systemic transportation challenges and explored strategies to strengthen the movement for safer streets.
The day concluded with a rooftop Reception and Award Ceremony. New Belgium Brewing provided refreshments as we celebrated the winners of the 2025 Advocacy and Education Awards, including Barbara McCann, recipient of the Bicycle Friendly America Leadership Award.
Day 2: Lobbying on Capitol Hill
We began the day with a Congressional Bike Ride and Breakfast, a perfect way to energize before heading to Capitol Hill. Our group, including representatives from Bike Fort Collins, Bicycle Colorado, ItCouldBeMe.org, Boulder Valley School District Safe Routes to School Program, and New Belgium Brewing met with Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, Congressman Joe Neguse, and Representative Diana DeGette. Together, we advocated for critical bills, including HR 1668, the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act, and various grants under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
The day wrapped up with a Capitol Hill Reception at the Russell Senate Office Building, where we continued networking and solidified commitments to bicycle-friendly policies.
Day 3: Closing Plenary and Infrastructure Ride
The final day featured a keynote conversation with Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, who discussed strategies for improving road safety nationwide.
We ended the Summit with a guided ride led by Monica Garrison, Founder of Black Girls Do Bike. The route showcased DC’s bike infrastructure, including protected bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue, the Anacostia River Trail, and the Frederick Douglass Bridge.
Breakout Sessions and Takeaways
Throughout the Summit, attendees participated in insightful breakout sessions, including contributions from Fort Collins’ FCMoves transportation department. Anne Kelso and Chelsea Ritter-Soronen presented on using asphalt art for community engagement and safety improvements, while Lauren Nagle, Leah Fantle, and Shelby Ottengheime led discussions on empowering communities through bicycle mechanics.
Other session highlights included:
- Cycling Without Age: Movie & Panel Discussion
- Getting Kids on Bikes and Ready to Ride in Schools
- The Community Transportation Academy: Cultivating Transportation Advocates
- The Dutch Cycling Embassy’s “From Cultural Exchange to Cultural Change”
- The Outsider’s Guide to Engaging with Elected Officials
- Better Bike Facilities: Insights from AASHTO and NACTO Bike Guides
Looking Ahead
The National Bike Summit reinforced the urgency of our advocacy efforts. While we’ve made progress, ongoing threats to funding require continued activism. Whether through grassroots engagement or direct lobbying, we must push forward to create a safer, more accessible Bicycle Friendly America for everyone.
For more information on the 2025 Advocacy and Education Award winners, visit: Bike League Awards.
National Bike Summit 2025
