By Gin Kilgore, Program Director

Attending my first National Bike Summit was a powerful experience. I felt proud to rub elbows with advocates from around our state (we had one of the biggest delegations!) and beyond. We–that includes you–are a passionate, smart, creative interest group. And all that biking helps us look pretty good, which does not hurt the cause.

Ed and other veterans of “Days on the Hill” did a great job easing the nerves of newbies. They explained that the deed of traveling to D.C. was as, if not more, important than our words. It shows our commitment to bicycling, and a certain faith in the democratic process despite how messy politics can be. I confess to getting a few goosebumps as we scurried from meeting to meeting through the maze of congressional offices. Below are some baikus (bike-related haikus) about the day and our asks. I am grateful that I was able to attend, and hope to return next year with even more new faces.

Twenty people strong
Illinois delegation
Swarming the hallways

Congressional staff
Nodded, leaned in, and took notes
Everyone loves bikes

We know bikes belong
Young and old, on roads and trails
But in the budget?

Yes! Even crumbs help
(with some policy assists)
Bike bucks yield big bangs

Some bangs must be stopped
No more crash fatalities!
Vision Zero Act

Bike advocacy
Until barriers are gone
I will never quit