Get a sneak peek at the League's forthcoming campaign to ensure every child in America has access to in-school, on-bike education and learn more about the states where these policies already exist.
LESSONS FROM COMMUNITIES EMBRACING ON-BIKE EDUCATION
We can learn from the places where in-school, on-bike education is already happening about how to deliver impactful courses and increase the number of students receiving it.
GEARING UP FOR THE NEXT TRANSPORTATION BILL
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was a big win for bicycling. Soon enough, it will be time for the next big bill. Read about how we're laying the foundation for more wins for better biking.
2024 NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT RECAP
Hundreds of bike advocates descended on DC for this year's Summit. Read about the fun we had, the people we honored, and get ready to attend in 2025!
“W
HAT DID YOU DO ON YOUR SUMMER VACATION?”
I remember that was always the talk of the class when going back to school every fall as a kid. Sometimes it would be something epic like a cross-country trip to the West Coast and most of the time it would be more low-key and local, like going to the beach repeatedly (I grew up in Florida). I’m thankful that this year my kids will get to share all about our four-year-delayed trip to Europe where we made memories that will last us all a lifetime.
Among these unforgettable childhood experiences should be bicycling. For me, biking was always in the picture, my transportation and freedom machine. Reminiscing about summer vacations or afterschool adventures should be inextricably linked with the bike, but we have lost a lot of that bike culture of our past. Bicycling should be an essential element of youth, something that gives kids confidence, independence, and a foundational sense of self.
We can make this a reality. We must. By reaching every kid in America with inschool, on-bike education, we can make bicycling a formative part of how the next generation gets around, stays active, and connects with the world around them. I’m so excited about the campaign the team here at the League is putting together to
MORE KIDS ON BIKES!
BY BILL NESPER
take this idea into action and can’t wait to unveil it this August. A combination of policy prescriptions, curated curriculum, and resources at the state and local level will underpin this ambitious goal.
In this issue of our magazine, you will learn where in-school on-bike education is already making a difference in kids’ lives. Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFCs) are foundational to building a Bicycle Friendly America and many are leading the way by providing bicycling education for young people, helping grow the bicycle movement. You will also meet our 2024 Advocacy and Education Award winners who are leading in their communities, enabling opportunities for more people of all ages and abilities to ride. You can also learn about our first League Cycling Advocate Workshop, our new training program for people like you to become certified bike advocates.
All of this works together — like a fast moving peloton — towards a nation where everyone, whether they bike or not, recognizes and enjoys the many benefits and opportunities of bicycling and where everyone can experience the joy of bicycling. You are such an integral part of this, pulling us from the front of the pack. Thank you for being a member of the League and riding with us!
LET’S GET KIDS
BY JAMIL MODAFFARI
THE PROBLEM
Bicycling can improve the lives of children in so many ways: by providing much-needed physical activity, a sense of freedom, a sustainable mode of transportation, and a means to connect with their communities. However, most children do not have a comprehensive way to learn safe cycling practices. Without a formal bicycling education, children may miss out on essential skills and knowledge that can protect them wherever they ride, whenever they ride. Too many children grow up without ever learning how to ride a bike or gaining a full understanding of the rules of the road, leading to missed opportunities for healthy, active lifestyles and increased safety. This lack of access to cycling education disproportionately affects students in underserved communities, exacerbating existing inequalities in health, mobility, and safety.
READY TO RIDE
To address this gap in childhood bicycling, this summer the League will launch a national campaign to ensure all students receive on-bike cycling education in their schools. This campaign will focus on integrating cycling into the school curriculum and overcoming inequitable access to these programs, thereby helping make bicycling as foundational to kids’ education as reading, writing, and STEM.
Through school-based cycling education, we aim to improve student well-being, combat climate change, strengthen communities, and cultivate the next generation of cyclists. Through grassroots advocacy, policy change, and practical implementation, we’ll make cycling education a universal component of every child’s school experience.
OUR EDUCATION EXPERTISE
It may sound audacious, but we believe that every child deserves to know how to ride confidently, to have safe places to ride, and to have the freedom to experience the joys and health benefits of a bike. We’ll do this by promoting a standard by which all youth should receive on-bike education as part of their in-school education. Our approach is top-down and bottom-up, we need local advocates, national leaders, and everyone in between to join the movement in deciding that kids deserve the right to bike. Along with the ABCs and 123s, cycling education should be part of every elementary school’s offering.
The League has been teaching cycling education and certifying instructors for over 50 years. Nearly all cycling instruction traces its roots back to the League’s work. Our network of instructors is nationwide: more than 7,400 people are certified as League Cycling Instructors (LCIs) with access to a library of curriculum on instructing students about learning to ride, developing youth bike skills, roadway and trail riding, group riding, and more. Many of our certified instructors are already working with schools, parent-teacher associations, and other youth-focused groups, but we need this work to be more comprehensive, more inclusive, and more equitable so that every child understands safe bicycling regardless of where they live, what school they attend, how resourced their school is, and if there is someone in the community to
POLICY PATHWAY TO ENSURE EQUITY IN CYCLING EDUCATION
To achieve our goal, we look to successful state models like those in Washington and Minnesota. Washington’s in-school bicycle education program, funded by the Move Ahead Washington legislation, has set a benchmark for comprehensive and acces sible cycling education. Students across the state now have access to school-based on-bike education in grades 3-8, with high schoolers having out-of-school cycling edu cation options. Similarly, Minnesota’s state wide bicycle education policy, established under the Bill Dooley Bicycle Safety Act, demonstrates the impact of a well-crafted policy in fostering cycling safety among students. This legislation requires students in grades K-3 to receive pedestrian safety education, while students in grades 4-8 must receive pedestrian safety education as well as bicycle safety education.
Despite these successes, significant barriers remain. Many students lack access to cycling education due to insufficient funding, logistical challenges, and a lack of trained instructors. Additionally, disparities in resources and support mean that students in underserved communities are often left out of these valuable programs. Addressing these barriers requires concerted effort and collaboration among policymakers, cycling advocates, and school communities to ensure that every child, regardless of their background or location, can benefit from
CONCLUSION
Our forthcoming campaign will be our call to action. By working with states to pass legislation mandating school-based cycling education, we aim to create a future where every child can experience the joys and benefits of cycling. Together, we can build healthier, safer, and more equitable communities, one bike ride at a time.
Your support is crucial in making this vision a reality. Please consider donating in support of comprehensive cycling education and help us ensure that every child is Ready to Ride!
—Melissa and Chris Bruntlett, authors of Curbing Traffic
GEARING UP for the NEXT TRANSPORTATION BILL
BY CARON WHITAKER
League
members meet at the United States Capitol to prepare for Lobby Day.
Photo: Brian Palmer
IN 2021, CONGRESS PASSED THE BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW (BIL), A BIG WIN FOR BICYCLING BECAUSE IT INCLUDED SIGNIFICANT NEW FUNDING AND POLICY TO IMPROVE BICYCLING AND WALKING AROUND THE COUNTRY. But, we are now almost three years into the bill and it is time to start thinking about the next federal transportation bill. The BIL does not expire until 2026, which means the Congress we elect this fall will write the next bill, and that debate will start when they get sworn into office in January 2025.
In a recent survey, the League and the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) asked state and local advocates and practitioners (planners, engineers, etc.) how implementation of the BIL was going and what they’d like to see in the next bill. Those leaders told us they were seeing an increase in bicycle infrastructure and Complete Streets projects in their state and metropolitan transportation plans! That is great news — getting new bicycling and walking infrastructure takes time but seeing a higher percentage of projects in the planning pipeline is an early sign of success!
However, we also learned that the BIL didn’t solve all the problems. When asked, survey respondents told us that there were still a number of factors slowing the ability of local governments to take advantage of the new funding and policy. To address some of those challenges, here are two areas where we’re promoting federal legislation.
Local
Match
In most federal programs, federal funds cover 80 percent of a project’s cost. Local or state governments have to come up with the rest. This requirement keeps many small, rural and/or low income communities from
applying for federal funding for bicycling projects.
Our solution: The Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act (S.3964/H.R. 1668) would allow states to use safety dollars as their local match for Transportation Alternatives projects that also address local safety concerns.
Permitting
Process
Practitioners and advocates identified the permitting process as both costly and time-consuming. Survey respondents complained the permitting process for installing a bike rack can require the same historical, archeological, environmental sign-off and design guide exemptions as building a new road.
Our solution: This is one that our community has been working on for years and the solution will be multilayered.
The Building Safer Streets Act (S.3246) is part of the solution. The bill directs the Federal Highway Administration to adjust design guidelines and regulations to create exemptions for certain multi-modal safety
and access features to reflect local needs. These changes will help localities build infrastructure that is safer, multimodal, context-sensitive, and economically vibrant.
To help address other aspects of the permitting process, we are talking with the Environmental Protection Agency, historical preservation advocates, and others to address solutions.
Other concerns practitioners shared with us included: More say for local governments in what gets built in their communities, and help with maintenance costs of bike lanes, sidewalks and trails. The League is working with partners and allies to understand if there is a policy solution to these issues.
As we head into another transportation reauthorization bill cycle, we hope you’ll join us in continuing to advocate for the policy measures and funding mechanisms that will shape and create a Bicycle Friendly America for Everyone.
The BIKE Act – A member priority
Our survey didn’t only survey practitioners, we also asked League members like you about your priorities. One thing we heard from you was enthusiastic support for more and better bicycle education, including in-school, on-bike education.
To help us meet that goal the League is supporting H.R. 7842 — Biking Instruction, Knowledge, and Education (BIKE) Act of 2024. This bill, inspired by Rhode Island’s program of bicycle education for fifth graders, makes in-school on-bicycle education eligible for all Federal Highway Safety Grants.
The bill also directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to update their bike education curriculum and to advertise the new curriculum and funding eligibility to state departments of transportation and other community advocates. If the bill passes, NHTSA will also be required to report back to Congress on the new curriculum and its uptake among states.
AMTRAK AGREES to BETTER BICYCLE ACCESS!
BY CARON WHITAKER
We recently asked you to sign our petition to Amtrak asking to make traveling by bike easier for more people. This petition echoed a letter we sent earlier this year in our role as coordinating body of the Amtrak Bike Task Force.
Together, we asked for the following changes:
• Maintain and increase bicycle storage on each new Airo train car (the current Amfleet cars are limited to one bike per train car) and make it easier to store your bikes:
P Specifically, we asked for train car storage that does not require bicyclists to take the front wheel off their bike.
P Use hooks that can hold standard mountain bike tires.
• To make it possible to take your bike on a multi-train trip and only have to pay once for your bike.
We’re happy to report that Amtrak has responded and we thank Amtrak for ensuring that the new train cars being ordered and built now will include increased bike storage for Amtrak routes!
Amtrak’s willingness to work with the bicycling community to safeguard and improve bike access on their new trains is an important step forward. We know that a robust passenger rail service, along with active transportation infrastructure, is critical to building a multi-modal transportation system that is safe and accessible to everyone.
Starting in 2023, the League took over coordination of the Amtrak Bike Task Force. In that role, we convene regular meetings with national, state and local bicycle advocates, Amtrak staff, and others to promote better bicycle access on trains. Since then we have heard from bicyclists around the country about how you would like to use Amtrak to travel with your bikes, and how existing service can be improved.
Given the increased investment in Amtrak in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund replacement train cars, the Task Force has been focused on increasing bike access on those new Airo train cars.
The good news:
The new Airo cars will have the capacity to hold two bikes — and some will include a baggage compartment to potentially store even more bikes. These new cars will largely be on routes currently served by Amfleet train cars, such as the Northeast Regional, which only have storage for one bike per car. This will allow bicyclists to sit with a fellow traveler and have both their bikes in the same car.
Routes with Venture train cars (these are often state-operated routes) that have storage for up to three bikes should continue to have storage for three bikes.
Bicycle riders will NOT have to take off the front wheel on Airo cars, making it easier to load and unload your bike at each stop.
The new bike racks will have hooks that will hold standard mountain bike tires (current Amfleet bike racks do not accommodate mountain bikes).
The bad news:
Another problem we had hoped to address was the cost of bringing your bike on the train. On Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and long-distance trains, there is a charge of $20 per bike per leg of a train trip. If you have to change trains, you have to reserve a new spot for your bike and pay an additional $20. One thing the Task Force had asked for was to have a “pay once” policy for multi-train trips.
Unfortunately, Amtrak was not able to address this issue this time. Bike charges will remain the same as seat costs. This is because of their reservation system. In his response letter, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner also remarked that bike fees on trains are competitive with airlines and buslines.
Not every Amtrak route charges $20 for a bike fee. If you can bring your bike on a local Amtrak line for $5, $10 or $0, you have your state Department of
Transportation to thank! National Amtrak funds and runs long-distance trains and the Northeast Corridor, but several regional lines are paid for by the State Departments of Transportation. These trains are still Amtrak trains, but the state runs them, and the states have the option to subsidize the bike ticket. So if you live in North Carolina, Wisconsin or California, your state is subsidizing the cost of your bike ticket!
But more good news!
In addition to answering our questions, Gardner also pointed out some good news for Amtrak routes that have bike storage in the baggage cars:
“This year, Amtrak is restoring 55 cars to our active equipment fleet that have been out of service for repairs. As these baggage cars come online, there should be more space for bikes on several lines including the Chicago-to-Los Angeles Southwest Chief, two Superliner Coach-Baggage cars, and 18 Horizon Coaches that will have spaces for bikes.
As part of those repairs, the cars will be refurbished to have standalone bike racks and combination bikeluggage racks.”
— Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner
So what’s next for the Amtrak Task Force?
Now that we have Amtrak’s commitment to the new train cars having better bike access, we have a couple of ideas of where to go next from clear instructions on how to take your bike on the train, to working with other state DOTs to subsidize bike costs, to making Amtrak stations more bicycle friendly.
Interested in helping out? Consider joining the Amtrak Bike Task Force by contacting Caron Whitaker at Caron@bikeleague.org.
LESSONS from COMMUNITIES EMBRACING ON-BIKE EDUCATION
BY AMELIA NEPTUNE
In schools across America, a revolution is taking place on two (or more!) wheels. Slowly but surely, a growing number of communities are embracing on-bike education in schools, integrating cycling lessons into their curriculums to promote the well-being biking brings — physical fitness, environmental awareness, and practical transportation skills to name a few. Dive into the following case studies with us to explore how Bicycle Friendly Communities across America are working to transform the way young people learn and move, highlighting the successes, challenges, and inspiring stories that are propelling this movement forward.
Every Bicycle Friendly Community is like a student, too: learning and growing on their journey to becoming an incredible place to bike with a rich bicycling culture. That’s why an important component of the Bicycle Friendly Community program is the League’s feedback and recommendations
we provide to each community. Following each case study, see what the League’s BFC team recommends for that community to continue improving.
The 2025 BFC application is now open! Learn more and apply at bikeleague.org/community!
VENTURA , C A
CORVALLIS, OR
SANTA FE, NM
VERONA, WI
PARK CITY AND SNYDERVILLE BASIN, UT
TALLAHASSEE, F L
“Our school district has done significant work since the inception of the bike education program at the elementary level. It has been a joint effort between the school and the community as without both parties, the program would not have survived for as long as it has. This is a free-to-student program, with bilingual instructors, and bikes adapted for every student (including students with severely impacted disabilities) for every 5th grade student in the entire school district.”
CORVALLIS, OR
Population: 59,864
Students receive on-bike education annually: 475
75-99% of Elementary Schools offer mandatory on-bike education
Bicycles are provided to all students, including adaptive bikes for elementary school students with physical and/or cognitive disabilities
LEAGUE FEEDBACK:
Excellent work! Expand the program to reach 100% of schools in Corvallis, including all public and private elementary schools.
VERONA, WI
Population: 14,889
Students receive on-bike education annually: 75%
75-99% of Elementary Schools offer mandatory on-bike education
Yes, bicycles are provided to all students
LEAGUE FEEDBACK:
Keep up the good work! Support district Physical Education (PE) teachers in their efforts to expand on-bike education to all elementary schools in Verona Area School District, using Sugar Creek Elementary School’s program as a model.
“Sugar Creek Elementary School, a Title 1 K-5 school of 520 students, began an all-school bicycling program in 2018, and district elementary Physical Education teachers are hoping to expand it to other sites. The program has received initial support from the Tri 4 Kids, the Ironman Foundation, Rockweiler Insulation, the school’s site budget, the school’s Parent Teacher Organization, and private donations. 41% of Sugar Creek’s students are living in poverty, 30% are native Spanish speakers, and many students in the school have never ridden a bike before.”
“Santa Fe’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program has provided bike education in schools since 2021. This program is jointly funded by the City of Santa Fe and a federal program called Transportation Alternatives Program. The majority of teachers are bilingual (English/Spanish) as communication in Spanish is critical in this area. All of the focus schools for the Safe Route to Schools program are designated 100% free and reduced lunch in order to ensure hunger is not an impediment.”
SANTA FE, NM
Population:
87,510
Students receive on-bike education annually: 200
1-25% of Elementary Schools offer optional on-bike education
A limited number of bicycles are available for students in need
LEAGUE FEEDBACK:
Great job securing TAP funds to support your Safe Routes to School programming! Continue to expand the program so that it is offered consistently at every elementary school in the city, including public and private schools. Increase the fleet of bikes so they are provided to all students, including adaptive cycles for students with disabilities.
VENTURA, CA
Population:
110,763
Students receive on-bike education annually: 1,500
75-99% of Elementary Schools offer mandatory on-bike education
Bicycles are provided to all students
LEAGUE FEEDBACK:
Great job piloting an expansion of the program to multiple grades — this is an excellent way to make the bike lessons really stick with students and create lifelong cyclists! Work with local partners to formalize the pilot into a long-term/permanent program offered at every elementary school in the city. Consider also adding adaptive cycles to your existing fleet so that students with disabilities can participate as well.
PARK CITY AND SNYDERVILLE BASIN, UT
Population: 8,396
Students receive on-bike education annually: 399
100% of Elementary Schools offer optional on-bike education
Bicycles are provided to all students, including adaptive bikes for elementary school students with physical and/or cognitive disabilities
LEAGUE FEEDBACK:
Great job taking advantage of Bike Utah’s BEST Program, and working with a variety of partners to ensure that all students have access to an appropriate bike or adaptive cycle for their on-bike, in-school learning. To reach more students, consider making this program mandatory instead of optional, or increasing data collection to learn how many students currently opt out of the program, why they opt out, and what might incentivize higher participation rates.
TALLAHASSEE, FL
Population: 199,516
Students receive on-bike education annually: 4,000
75-99% of Elementary Schools offer optional on-bike education
Bicycles are provided to all students, including adaptive bikes for elementary school students with physical and/or cognitive disabilities
LEAGUE FEEDBACK:
Rather than leaving it up to each PE teacher to choose whether or not to provide this curriculum, work with the School District to standardize offerings at all schools across the City, so that every student has the opportunity to learn to bike.
“The school district has a K-12 PE content area specialist that meets with all PE teachers to make this program available to any that would like to participate. Teachers may sign up to have a trailer delivered to their school for one month during the year. We have 36 slots available for 23 schools. An option of 4 different trailers available September to May. We do have a few adaptive cycles that can be provided with our Leon County Trailers.”
CYCLING for CHANGE: RECAPPING the FIRST LEAGUE CYCLING ADVOCATE WORKSHOP
BY ANNA TANG
I N MARCH, THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS KICKED OFF OUR NEW LEAGUE CYCLING ADVOCATE (LCA) WORKSHOP,
A THREE-DAY COURSE THAT CERTIFIED NEARLY 50 LCAS IN THE BASICS OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A BICYCLE ADVOCATE.
The workshop welcomed advocates of all backgrounds and levels of experience from all over the country.
The workshop began with an invigorating introduction, highlighting the history of bike advocacy and its transformative potential in fostering healthier, more livable communities. Through engaging presentations and interactive discussions, participants gained a deeper understanding of being advocates for better bicycling, from the basics of organizing and mobilizing, to communicating policy issues and building coalitions to essential elements of mobility justice.
A pivotal focus of the workshop was understanding that you cannot do this work alone. We dissected how to get involved with local budgeting and ways to find like-minded groups, because these are strategies that will help you reach your local political leaders. One participant shared how they found a lot of value in “the combination of information, activities, and learning from other participants — especially around topics of effective political engagement and equity and mobility justice.” Armed with this knowledge, participants were empowered to become catalysts for change within their communities.
Another recurring theme throughout the workshop was effective communication. From mastering social media engagement to honing public speaking skills, participants learned to craft compelling narratives that resonated with diverse audiences. By sharing personal stories and advocating for tangible solutions, attendees discovered the power of their voices in driving meaningful change.
The workshop featured eight guest speakers who each brought interactive
exercises and case studies for participants to learn from and apply to their own coalition-building and grassroots work.
Attendees graduated from the workshop with innovative and also practical tools to utilize in their advocacy for safer bicycling infrastructure. They departed with a shared commitment to harnessing the transformative power of cycling advocacy. Armed with newfound knowledge, skills, and a network of like-minded allies, participants are now embarking on their respective journeys to create safer, more sustainable, and inclusive communities for cyclists everywhere. In essence, our first League Cycling Advocate Workshop was more than just an educational endeavor— it was a catalyst for grassroots activism and positive change.
If you’re getting a case of FOMO, we’ve got good news for folks across the country: more workshops are coming! We already hosted our second League Cycling Advocate Workshop in Philadelphia in July. Keep an eye on our email newsletter for information on future workshops!
oNWArDS AND UPWArDS: WELCOME DIANA HILDEBRAND, OUR NEWEST COACH
BY MARLEE TOWNSEND
AT THE HEART OF THE LEAGUE’S SMART CYCLING PROGRAM LIES A MISSION TO TRAIN AND EMPOWER LEAGUE CYCLING INSTRUCTORS (LCIS) TO TEACH BIKE EDUCATION NATIONWIDE. But who trains the trainers? Behind the scenes, a crucial force drives this initiative forward: our dedicated coaches.
Becoming a coach isn’t easy; it takes tenacity, years of teaching, and the recommendations of experienced coaches and League staff.
Today, we proudly announce the addition of a new member to our small but mighty coaching team: Diana Hildebrand. Diana is a longtime LCI who wears many helmets: founder of DevahD Cycling, Shero for the Cleveland chapter of Black Girls Do Bike, and Education and Outreach Manager for Bike Cleveland.
On top of that, she was the League’s LCI Spotlight in July 2021 and recently won the League’s 2024 Educator of the Year award at the National Bike Summit in March –what a rockstar!
When Diana’s fellow LCIs in Cleveland heard about the award, they asked us to make sure people across the country knew how much they love her “dedication, enthusiasm, and sincerity in wanting to build a safe and inclusive bike culture for not only Northeast Ohio, but for the country.” They say her leadership, drive, and mission to get everyone to “have fun on two wheels” keeps the Cleveland LCI crew positive, active, and stoked to keep coaching.
To celebrate this milestone, we took a virtual trip to Cleveland to chat with Diana. Read on to learn more about our newest coach.
WHAT DOES BECOMING A LEAGUE CYCLING COACH MEAN TO YOU?
Becoming a League Cycling Coach means so much to me because for one, it was a part of my mid-term goal when I became a LCI five years ago. It shows that I have a true passion and love for teaching everything biking and being an inspiration to others, from becoming an LCI to wanting to get back on two wheels of fun and learn how to ride with confidence and skill. It means that I will be able to usher in more LCIs who are just as passionate about cycling to lead the way and continue to educate and be a resource to their organization and/or community.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO BIKING?
I can honestly say that biking found me in my late 30s and I haven’t looked back since. Of course, I learned how to ride a bicycle as a child but that was short-lived once I became involved in other sports — something we educators have often experienced with youth. But, what brought me back to cycling started with physical therapy. After sustaining a bad break while playing women’s tackle football, my PT had me on a spin machine to maintain flexibility with
In 2013, I had been doing bike advocacy work for about three years when the opportunity to become an LCI through a grant program was presented to me. I jumped at the chance to learn more about what it takes to be a certified instructor and be the person to support others in feeling empowered along their bike journey. Being certified to do something I found fun and fulfilling is something I’m grateful for 10 years later.
my ankle. After moving from Pennsylvania, I was still looking for activities to keep me moving. I didn’t necessarily want to get back into football — even though I loved playing, I needed a better alternative after sustaining some serious injuries. During my 36th birthday, I looked on Craigslist and found a $50 men’s Schwinn Road Bike — now called Ruby Rider. I biked my first eight miles, which took me forever, but absolutely fell in love with biking!
HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN TEACHING?
It all started with me being left behind on a bike ride. We are all faced with situations where we have a choice to either give up or keep going. I chose to keep going, find out everything I needed
to know and make a promise to myself that I would never leave anyone behind on a bike ride like I was left. I also made a promise to be of support to those who wanted to learn how to bike.
WHAT IS A FAVORITE MEMORY OF TEACHING CYCLING EDUCATION?
I love questions like this because it brings back all the wonderful memories and moments I have shared with youth, adults, seniors, fellow LCIs, and coaches.
Thinking through this question, I can honestly
CONGRATULATIONS, DIANA!
We can’t help but be moved by this new Coach’s unwavering dedication to spreading the joy of Smart Cycling. With every testimony, we witness how our League Cycling Coaches and League
say that my favorite memory as a cycling educator was teaching my first youth bike camp for middle schoolers — from watching one of my students learn how to ride a bicycle for the first time to seeing the group take pride in riding their first six miles together.
Cycling Instructors are truly changing the world one bike lesson at a time! If you would like to join them, start by learning how to become a League Cycling Instructor — the first step to becoming a League Cycling Coach.
SLOW ROADS: THE 2024 NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT
BY LEAGUE STAFF
Many memories were made at the 2024 National Bike Summit, which brought together more than 400 people in Washington, DC, to rally for better biking. Each successive year since returning to in-person events in 2022 has seen the Summit grow in attendance — and with more people comes more bike joy!
We set the theme of the 2024 Summit as “Slow Roads” to emphasize what we know is true: roads designed for slower speeds are safer for everyone and save lives.
In keynote remarks, we heard from author Veronica O. Davis about her experience as a transportation planner and the important role of centering inclusive design. Then, Administrator of the Federal Highways Administration, Shailen Bhatt, discussed his approach to leadership at the federal level to guide state and local planners towards designs that mean people of all ages and abilities are safe riding their bikes. Finally, to wrap up the Summit’s keynotes, Erick Cedeño, the Bicycle Nomad, shared with us the life-changing experiences he’s had thanks to the bike and how he’s been inspired to become an advocate to ensure more people — particularly ones who look like him — have those same opportunities.
We were also honored to be able to celebrate Representative Earl Blumenauer with a lifetime achievement award for his decades of dedication to making biking better. There is no more fitting recipient of the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award
in Bikepartisanship than Rep. Blumenauer, who is retiring from Congress this year. He has been a critical voice inside the Capitol for bicycling and we look forward to continuing to work with him as he champions biking as a private citizen.
Of course, what really makes the Summit the success that it is are the many sessions hosted and presented by advocates like you. Every year, we solicit proposals for sessions and every year we are blown away by the expertise and enthusiasm on display. If there is one reason to attend the 2025 Summit, it’s to learn from (or share your) the ideas and experience of others in the bike movement.
Save the date for the 2025 National Bike Summit in Washington, DC, and get ready to join us March 11-13, 2025 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library for another year of building a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone.
MEET OUR 2024 ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION AWARD WINNERS
In 2024 we were thrilled to, for the first time since 2019, host our annual Advocacy and Education Awards ceremony in person at the Summit. There is something just particularly special about the energy in the room and getting the live reaction from the winners that can’t be expressed when everyone is constrained to a small videoconference box. If you couldn’t make it to the 2024 Summit (or you want to re-live it), you can watch a recording of the livestream of the festivities at bit.ly/bike-summitlive or find us on YouTube as @BikeLeague and get a taste of what’s in store for 2025.
The 2024 Advocacy and Education Award winners are a truly impressive cohort. Their achievements in their communities had an impact far beyond their hometown streets and roads. It’s impossible not to be inspired by their work, which you can read about below. We look forward to seeing them build the future of the bike movement, one that is impactful, inclusive, and instrumental in building a Bicycle Friendly America for Everyone.
In 2024, the League gave two Advocate of the Year Awards, one to a professional advocate and one to a volunteer advocate.
BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA
LEADERSHIP AWARD
COMMISSIONER RODNEY ELLIS OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS
How should advocates seize this moment to shape the future?
Advocates should seize this pivotal moment with unyielding determination, pushing beyond the status quo to demand cities where accessibility and sustainability are not just ideals but foundational principles that guide our planning and development.
ADVOCACY ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
BIKE HOUSTON
What do you hope the future holds for the bike movement?
In many places in America, it’s more controversial to include bikes in our transportation plans than it is to exclude them, but we’re working toward a future where it’s the other way around. Some places might already be there. For the rest of America, that future can’t come soon enough.
CITIZEN ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
STEVEN HARDY-BRAZ, A BOARD MEMBER OF BIKE WALK NC AND ADVOCATE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
What do you hope the future holds for the bike movement? I hope to see the inclusion of accessibility for people with disabilities in more of what we do as advocates. We can do this through more collaboration, when we come together we can change things for the better. By sharing our knowledge and expertise with each other, we can lift up another generation of advocates.
PROFESSIONAL ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD
JEREMIAH LOWERY, ADVOCACY DIRECTOR OF THE WASHINGTON AREA BICYCLIST ASSOCIATION
What do you hope the future holds for the bike movement?
I hope the bike movement continues on a pathway of becoming more inclusive and welcoming to people of all backgrounds, because we will win when we keep the doors to our movement open.
GAIL AND JIM SPANN EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR DIANA HILDEBRAND
What do you hope the future holds for the bike movement? The bike movement has already shifted to where more people are becoming aware of the freedom the bicycle gives them and how far they can go just on two wheels. As a tool it will provide alternative options for health and wellness, mobility and family within the biking network. My hope is to see biking as an educational enhancement within our physical education curriculum. By doing this it will allow youth to understand not only safety but could shift how they will interact with cyclists once they are behind the wheel of a vehicle.
SUSIE STEPHENS JOYFUL ENTHUSIASM AWARD
SAM BALTO, CO-FOUNDER OF BIKE BUS WORLD
What do you hope the future holds for the bike movement?
I hope to see more children riding in the street to school and for our leaders to prioritize childrens mobility.
How should advocates seize this moment to shape the future? Advocates should focus on children with their work. Children aren’t looking for perfection, they just want to be seen.
KATHERINE “KITTIE” T. KNOX AWARD
VERONICA O. DAVIS, AUTHOR OF “INCLUSIVE TRANSPORTATION”
What do you hope the future holds for the bike movement? The ability to elect better leaders who are willing to make the hard decisions to install better and more bike infrastructure.
How should advocates seize this moment to shape the future? Use the National Bike Summit to network and build national coalitions. You don’t have to suffer or go it alone.
EMERGING LEADER OF THE YEAR
AVERY DANIELS, YOUTH PROJECTS
COORDINATOR AT COMMUNITY BIKE WORKS
What do you hope the future holds for the bike movement? I hope the future holds more engagement. I would love to see as a result of our work that guests of the Youth Bike Summit are able to take what they learned and experienced back to their own cities and implement it into their communities. I believe the organizations in attendance are going to have powerful workshops with a lot to reflect on.
CLUB OF THE YEAR
MAJOR TAYLOR INTERNATIONAL CYCLING ALLIANCE, ACCEPTED BY FOUNDER BILL GASTON
What do you hope the future holds for the bike movement? That more people know who Major Taylor was and are inspired by his achievements to ride more, much in the same way I was. He was the first African-American world champion in 1899 and in 2017, a fat kid in Chicago learned who Major Taylor was from there, this club has grown. We would love to see legislation one day passed in the name of Major Taylor and we hope to see more people involved in our clubs!
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AWARD
ERIC SUPIL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TRIPS FOR KIDS CHARLOTTE
What do you hope the future holds for the bike movement?
Equitable access to bicycle infrastructure, education, mechanical resources and bicycles themselves. Infrastructure and greenways are also tools for mobility, just like the bicycle. Education around how to use them, how to access them (especially the last mile) and how to navigate them to connect to opportunity is critical to shifting the narrative of who cycling is for. My hope is to see more emphasis and support for educational and engagement programs to empower ALL communities (not just the already engaged cycling community) to confidently utilize, navigate and benefit from transit by bike.
RIDES
BLUFF CITY BLUES RIDE
The Bluff City Blues Ride is an annual event organized by the Memphis Hightailers Bicycle Club in Memphis, TN. The Bluff City Blues Ride offers routes ranging from 20 to 100 miles with beautiful scenery and rest stops at historic sites like the Shelby Forest General Store. The event provides well-marked courses, rest stops with food and liquids, great volunteer support, an event shirt to the first 300 registered, finisher medal, post-ride Memphis BBQ and drinks at Grind City Brewing Company. Vendors will be onsite while you wait for your friends to finish.
bcb100.com
SEPTEMBER 21
SEACOAST CENTURY
Hosted by League member club Granite State Wheelers, the Seacoast Century features great routes and sights - 25, 50, 65 and 100 mile options to choose from. Along the way you’ll have a chance to see historic Portsmouth, state parks, the Nubble Lighthouse, Piscataqua River, scenic small towns and beachfront communities and great ocean views.
bikereg.com/seacoast-century-50
SEPTEMBER 15
NORTH SHORE CENTURY
Join the Evanston Bicycle Club for the 39th annual North Shore Century, Chicagoland’s premiere cycling event. You’ll ride through beautiful neighborhoods, view unique architectural treasures, pedal down tree-lined streets and feel the refreshing breezes of Lake Michigan while enjoying the flat to rolling countryside between Chicago and Wisconsin.
evanstonbikeclub.org/nsc
SEPTEMBER 7
BIRMINGHAM BICYCLE CLUB’S ANNUAL CENTURY
Join the Birmingham Bicycle Club in Columbiana for one of the most beautiful centuries in the Southeast! All new routes for everyone from the challenging 100 mile Century to optional shorter flatter routes that let you just enjoy the scenery and company of fellow cyclists.
bhambikeclub.org
SEPTEMBER 28
ESCAPE NEW YORK
Since 1994, the New York Cycle Club has celebrated the entire NYC cycling community by hosting Escape New York, its signature ride. Their annual end-of-summer “getaway” takes riders out of Manhattan via the George Washington Bridge to explore the beauty, history and smooth roads just across the Hudson River in Bergen County, NJ, and Rockland County, NY.
enynycc.org
LEAGUE SAG WAGON
LEAGUE STAFF HIGHLIGHTS FROM SUMMER 2024
Our staff is looking forward to getting out there this summer — in their communities and beyond!
MARLEE
I’ll be escaping the heat by jumping into as many lakes, pools, and streams as I can find. I’m taking inspiration from frogs and hoping to be considered a semi-aquatic animal by the end of the summer.
ANNA
Summer for me means being outside as much as possible so you can catch me on many adventures exploring new hiking trails, gardening, and traveling on work trips where I get to ride bikes and make new friends! One trail I'm looking forward to checking out is Detroit's Riverwalk in August at the APBP conference. Say hello if you'll be there!
ALISON
I will be paddling a canoe in the Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota for a week long adventure with my family. We’ll canoe, portage, fish, cook over the open fire, and sleep under the stars.
BILL
My family is traveling to Europe this summer. We’ll be doing our best to slow down and enjoy a lot of walking, biking, sightseeing, eating, coffee drinking, and reconnecting with old friends in Germany, Denmark, and Norway.
CARON
The last weekend of July, my husband and I will be riding our bikes from DC to Shepherdstown, WV, and then taking our bikes home with us on Amtrak! Last year we did the whole ride from Pittsburgh to DC, but this time we’ll be able to spend some time tubing on the river, and visiting the local brewery and historical sites.
MONIQUE
I am looking forward to my annual girls trip in Vegas every year to enjoy some good food, drinks, and shows. I am also attending WPPI in Vegas (a photography conference) to learn more about my passion.
KELLY
Each summer, I try to make all of, or at least part of, RAGBRAI - the great bike ride across Iowa. The ride always takes place during the last week of July. Whether I end up riding with a group of friends, or doing the trip solo, the camaraderie and great people along the route make for a wonderful biking experience.
KEVIN
The Dekkingas are both paddlers as well as pedalers. After a long family bikepacking trip earlier this summer, we’ll also spend a week in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, canoeing and camping under the stars before our kids go back to school.
LAUREN
This spring, my husband and I bought a house so summer has been a bit more about projects than vacations (we're more winter vacation people, anyway.) That's meant everything from laying down hardwood floors to meeting the neighbors!
ALLY
By this time this hits your mailbox, it will sadly be Smoke Season in western Montana, so I plan to take it easy by spending outside time in the river with my partner Joel and dog Molly, and inside time hiding from smoke by practicing the many musical instruments that I dabble in — this summer, I'm teaching myself upright bass!
AMELIA
Earlier this summer, my whole family traveled to Portugal for my cousin’s wedding. We have a bunch of extended family who live on the coast in the Alentejo region — it’s one of my favorite places in the world, and I’ve been visiting regularly since I was 10, the year my cousin (the bride!) was born.
KEN
I just completed my summer vacation! Braving the heat for a multi-day bike trip on the Greater Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Trail. Had a great time biking, camping, and eating through small towns between Pittsburgh and DC, with great trail conditions throughout, plenty of shade, and lots of wildlife to see.
RILEY
It’s shaping up to be a bike-themed summer! I had the pleasure to attend the 2024 Youth Bike Summit in Allentown, PA, assisted with the League Cycling Advocate Workshop in my hometown of Philadelphia, and will soon seek certification as a League Cycling Instructor at a seminar in Washington, DC.
JAMIL
During the final week of summer 2024, I’m joining the 4th annual Minority Mountain Bikers Bentonville Bike Week. This is my favorite riding event of the year, bringing together over 50 Black, Indigenous, and people of color mountain bikers to be in the community, learning, exploring, and pushing the sport forward.
STAFF
Kevin Dekkinga Director of Membership & Development
Alison Dewey Education Director
Monique Hyatte Operations Specialist
Lauren Jenkins Communications Director
Ally Mabry Graphic Designer
Ken McLeod Policy Director
Jamil Modaffari Policy Specialist
Amelia Neptune
Bicycle Friendly America Program Director
Bill Nesper Executive Director
Kelly Gray Membership Coordinator
Anna Tang
Bicycle Friendly America Program Specialist
Riley P. Titlebaum Policy Director
Marlee Townsend Communications Coordinator
Caron Whitaker
Deputy Executive Director
BOARD of DIRECTORS
Danielle Arigoni
Chair
Jim Baross
Ed Fendley
Jimmy Hallyburton
Melissa Lee
Kecia McCullough
Ralph Monti
Vivian Ortiz
Ken Podziba
Cadesha Prawl
Lori Richman
Mike Sewell
Torrance Strong
Triny Willerton
Karin Weisburgh
Anna Zivarts
is to lead the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. OUR MISSION is a nation where everyone, whether they bike or not, recognizes and enjoys the many benefits and opportunities of bicycling and where everyone can experience the joy of bicycling. OUR VISION
