The theme for the 2025 Illinois Bike & Walk Summit (ILBWS25) was Creating Connected, Livable, Thriving Communities. Nearly 250 people interested in making it easier and safer to move about their community on foot and on bike assembled in Springfield in early May.
Attendees included advocates, community organizers, planners, engineers, municipal staff, state agency staff, and elected officials. Financial contributions from 16 generous sponsors allowed Ride Illinois and partners to offer a meaningful agenda and event for a reasonable registration fee. We’re pleased to offer this summary of ILBWS25.
The Mayor of Springfield, Misty Buscher, offered a warm welcome to kick off the conference. The mayor’s experience riding a bicycle since childhood has shaped her desire to make it safer and easier for adults and children to ride a bicycle in the capital city.
John Donovan, Chief Operating Officer at the Illinois Department of Transportation shared an overview of IDOT’s efforts to build connected, safe infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists. Patience is required as it will take time, funding, and strong leadership to transform decades of investment in car-centric infrastructure in Illinois.
A wide range of breakout sessions and workshops took place over the course of the day. Each session focused on the conference’s theme. Speakers shared their experience, as well as practical tips for bringing about positive change for biking and walking in communities of all sizes. The diversity of perspective and experience from both attendees and speakers resulted in genuine conversations and provided practical, impactful learning opportunities!
The mid-day keynote session featured two accomplished, inspiring individuals. Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, spoke about the importance and economic benefits of trails. Mr. LaHood also touched on the current political climate and encouraged attendees to remain vigilant and seek creative solutions to improve biking and walking in their communities.
Tom Flood, from rovélo creative, joined virtually to speak about the need to reframe the discussion about road safety. Tom’s path to advocacy began innocently enough – he simply wanted to get his kids to school by bike. Through compelling visuals and head-scratching examples, Tom’s presentation provided a real wake-up call. The vast majority of our nation’s infrastructure is inadequate, dangerous, and only serves those driving motor vehicles. Tom offered renewed clarity about what’s possible and challenged attendees to demand change!
The action-packed day wrapped up with words of wisdom from Jen Walling, Executive Director of the Illinois Environmental Council. Jen spoke of the positive impact on the planet by replacing trips by motor vehicle trips with trips on foot and by bike. Individuals and communities also benefit when people move about via active modes.
Randy Neufeld, a legend in the bike advocacy space, closed out the day by leading the group in a sing-a-long. Check out the video of Randy’s catchy tune! All together now, “way smarter, way cleaner, way funner than cars.”
The second day of ILBWS25 offered in-depth sessions that expanded on topics from day one.
Nearly 40 individuals interested in voicing support for legislation to improve biking and walking began their Thursday with an Advocate Training. Stephanie Blumenthal from Illinois Environmental Council joined Dave Simmons and Savannah Curry from Ride Illinois to talk through a typical meeting, the logistics of Lobby Day, and the details of three specific bills we’d be discussing with elected officials that afternoon.
Many who participated in Lobby Day had never spoken with their elected officials and appreciated the opportunity to do so. For this and other reasons, Ride Illinois intends to organize an annual Lobby Day in Springfield to advocate for bike-friendly legislation. 37 meetings were held with elected officials or their staff. We’re pleased to share that both SB1559 and SB2285 are on their way to Governor Pritzker’s desk to be signed into law. Well done, advocates!
Feedback about this conference from the attendee survey has been overwhelmingly positive. Attendees shared the following comments related to what they appreciated about ILBWS25:
Ride Illinois and partners have had time to reflect on the conference. Planning and executing a conference is no small task, though the impact of ILBWS25 made the time and effort worthwhile. Effective advocacy requires year-round effort – plus patience, persistence, and perseverance. Everyone involved with ILBWS25 should take some time to celebrate and recuperate. Then, get back to it! The work to create connected, livable, thriving communities continues.
P.S. Check out photos from the 2025 Illinois Bike & Walk Summit at this link.
Photo credits: Victoria Messina