WASHINGTON, D.C.(BRAIN)—Participants of the Dealer Tour in Washington, D.C. capped off the second day of shop visits with a reception at the K Street offices of three of the industry’s national advocacy groups, the Alliance for Biking and Walking, the League of American Bicyclists and the National Center for Bicycling and Walking.
All form part of America Bikes, a coalition bringing together eight nonprofits—Adventure Cycling Association, Alliance for Biking and Walking, Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, Bikes Belong Coalition, International Mountain Bicycling Association, League of American Bicyclists, National Center for Bicycling and Walking and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy—also headquartered there. Serving as an umbrella for all, America Bikes creates a unified voice to approach lawmakers about bicycling’s share of government funding when the transportation bill comes up for reauthorization.
“We all have our own niches but we work together closely under America Bikes,” Jeff Miller, executive director of the Alliance for Biking and Walking, told the group of about two dozen, adding that the industry has significantly stepped up financially to help support advocacy over the last couple of years.
Staff from the National Center for Bicycling and Walking, the League and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy talked about their mission, specific projects and sources of funding.
Aside from government and tourism, associations make up the third largest segment in the nation’s capital, according to Andy Clarke, president of the League.
-Lynette Carpiet
lcarpiet@bicycleretailer.com
Photo: America Bikes' Caron Whitaker and Daniel de Zeeuw listen as the League of American Bicyclists' Andy Clarke talks to the BRAIN dealer tour crew during an advocacy reception Wednesday afternoon. Photo by Jake Orness.
