PeopleForBikes arranges for Congress members to visit bike industry

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — In August during the Congressional recess, PeopleForBikes arranged for 19 meetings in 11 states between retailers and other members of the bike industry and Congress members and their staff. 

The visits were part of the organization's summer campaign designed to showcase the economic impact of bike businesses. "We can tell members of Congress about the power of the bike industry over and over, but nothing can compare to seeing it in-person," said Jenn Dice, PeopleForBikes' vice president of government relations. "When elected officials and their staffers meet employers and retailers, a personal connection is created."

Sen. Tom Carper, the ranking member on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, visited the Bike Line store in Dover, Delaware. In a PeopleForBikes press release, Carper said, "Investments in multi-modal infrastructure – including bike lanes and paths – are smart investments to keep our nation moving. Delaware has made great strides in becoming a more bike friendly state with support from advocates like Bike Line."

Rep. David Price, the ranking member on the House Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, visited Performance Bicycle in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

"It was a pleasure to visit Performance Bicycle, an organization at the forefront of advocacy efforts for personal, community, and global health through cycling," said Price in a PeopleForBikes press release. "The PeopleForBikes Summer Campaign highlights the impact that federal infrastructure investment programs have in providing for alternate modes of transportation that can enhance the quality of life in a community. As the top Democrat on the subcommittee responsible for federal infrastructure investment, and as a member of the Congressional Bike Caucus, I am proud to be a part of these efforts and will continue fighting for programs that enhance the cycling experience."

Rep. Rick Larsen visited Gregg's Cycle in Lynnwood, Washington. Store general manager Marty Pluth said, "It was an honor to host Congressman Larsen at Gregg's Cycles. He understands that creating more places to bike helps shops like ours thrive. We look forward to working with the congressman to protect investment in bike infrastructure."

PeopleForBikes has spoken out against the Trump Administration's proposed budget, which would eliminate the TIGER program, which has helped communities across the nation improve infrastructure including bike paths and lanes.

"Highlighting the state and local economic contributions of the bike industry to U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives will help secure their ongoing support for this program and others," the group said.