Numbers Speak, Be A Part Of Making Minnesota A Safer Place To Ride - The MN Bike Summit

Why Attend the 2012 Minnesota Bike Summit?

Numbers speak for themselves! To make Minnesota the best and safest place to ride a bike in the Nation, the Minnesota Bicycle Alliance (BikeMN) needs every bicycle advocate and enthusiast throughout the state to be present at the Bike Summit, next Monday.

You may have heard that significant efforts are underway to eliminate virtually all federal bicycling funding. Here in Minnesota, we can no longer rely solely on federal support. Please attend the 2012 Bike Summit. Monday, March 5, in St. Paul and ask your state legislators to secure a future for bicycling in the state. No legislative experience is required to participate on this day's activities.

 If talking to your legislator scares you, don't fear!  This will be a group experience with others from your area and BikeMN will provide a lead constituent who will supply you with guidelines, key points and will most likely do most of the talking.  In numbers that count, lets work together to educate our leaders about bicycle advocacy issues here in Minnesota that includes the following talking points:

1. Passing a Vulnerable Road User Law to make riding on roads and trails safer. Right now, careless and reckless driving offenses are classified as misdemeanors, even if the driver causes great bodily harm or death. Show support for a bill that will increase the penalty to a gross misdemeanor if a careless driver causes the death of a vulnerable road user.
2. Encourage our Legislatures in finding ways to continue supporting Safe Routes To School.. This will keep your kids and family active and safe when they bike or walk to school.  Developed by our partners at the American Heart Association, with input from BikeMN and other members of the Minnesotan's for Healthy Kids Coalition. The Safe Routes To School program seeks to increase physical activity among school children and decrease transportation costs.
3. Hearing the inspiring words of the Minnesota Bike Summit guest speakers, including:
• Internationally renowned writer and speaker  Jay Walljasper...
• Christine Fruechte, CEO of award-winning advertising agency and Bicycle Friendly Business, Colle+McVoy...
• The Senators and Representatives from the Minnesota Legislature who are sponsors of our bills...• Plus, representatives from MnDOT sharing news about Minnesota's first state bikeway, the Mississippi River Trail...
4.  And last, but not least - To have fun! Meet fellow bicycle enthusiasts from around the state and learn what's going on in their communities, businesses and schools. This is a great opportunity for all of us to build a strong Minnesota bicycling network! 

Please pre-registrr for the Minnesota Bike Summit...

Even though it will be possible to sign up at the door on the morning of the event, BikeMN greatly appreciate advance registrations and you save!

By pre-registering, you will not only provide a more accurate count for lunch, you will also help BikeMN schedule the  groups for legislative meetings that you can be a part of.  The online registration deadline is midnight, Thursday, March 1.

Prefer to register by mail?  Please print this form and send it with your check today to the address shown on the form.

Please remember . . . NO LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE is necessary to participate on this day.   Just be there to show your support!

BikeMN would like to thank, Quality Bicycle Products for sponsoring the 2012 Minnesota Bike Summit and to Dero Bike Racks for providing bicycle parking during the event.

Article Published: 02-25-2012