Maine Recognized at National Bike Summit

"I think that a lot of the reason why the Bicycle Coalition of Maine has been so effective is because they've really taken a proactive role in working with elected officials, and most especially with me and my staff, to help keep bicycling and trail issues at the forefront of our efforts to improve health, the economy, and the environment in Maine." - Congressman Michael Michaud in a letter addressing the National Bike Summit 3/3/06

A full dozen Mainers joined nearly 400 bicyclists from across the U.S. in Washington, D.C. the first week of March at the National Bike Summit. This 6th Summit came on the heels of the successes of bicyclists' advocacy and the substantial funding for bicycle and pedestrian programs. In addition to trainings about how to implement and get these dollars directed to best benefit bicyclists and walkers, the Summit focused on "Bicycle-Friendly Communities." The Bicycle Coalition of Maine was greatly honored when the League of American Bicyclists invited us to be the closing plenary session titled "Making Bicycling Main[e]stream," highlighting the progress we have made as a state in making communities more bicycle-friendly.

"This is a huge honor," expressed BCM Executive Director Jeffrey Miller. "To be held up as a model in front of our peers and for the nation is very flattering." The BCM Team of Jeff, Board Members Charley LaFlamme, Jane Self, Trina Chiasson, Fred Robie, and Maggie Warren as well as luminaries Mac McAfee (BikeTowner), Doug Moore (Downeast Bicycle), Tony Barrett (East Coast Greenway), and Dan Stewart (MaineDOT), used the honor and opportunity to highlight how Maine has made progress. For over an hour, the team presented before all the delegates of the National Bike Summit using a snazzy PowerPoint, props, and handouts highlighting the collaboration of our many partner organizations, businesses, agencies, communities, and individuals that have made our progress in Maine possible.

"Maine has a small population, a large area, limited resources, and some pretty big hurdles with climate and topography," explains Jeff.

BCM with Rep Tom Allen

"Our message to our peers is 'If we can do it in Maine, there is no reason why you can't do it in your state and community as long as you work with the right people.'" The program expanded on the partnerships to explain key programs that have made a difference. Jeff adds, "We also highlighted that it isn't all roses; we still have so much progress to make in Maine."

While presenting at the closing plenary was a huge honor, the real work was all the trainings and conference workshops and most importantly visiting all of Maine's congressional delegation. "We had great meetings with Senators Snowe and Collins and Representatives Allen and Michaud and their staff," says Jeff. "We got the chance to personally thank them for their support of bicycling and walking as part of the whole transportation system, economic development, energy independence, and healthy communities," adds Jeff.

In addition to sharing our gratitude in the meetings, Team BCM also got to highlight important programs like Senator Collins' Conserve by Bike, funding for the National Park Service's Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program, and other key initiatives. "A real highlight was our first-time meeting with Senator Snowe and getting her sponsorship support of the Bicycle Commuting Act," says Jane Self, BCM President.

BCM with Sen Olympia Snowe

The BCM's presentation at the Closing Plenary was certainly the icing on the cake for the attendees. Congressional Staffers Brooke Hayes (Collins), Matt Robison (Michaud), and Jim Bradley (Allen) all shared their congratulations to BCM and gave advice to the conference on how to be as successful as the BCM. Several attendees were overheard after the BCM Plenary, "This should have been the opening plenary and not the closing. I'm so pumped up...that was the best."

BCM Board Member Maggie Warren (and behind-the-scenes superhero) responded, "But there's plenty to do anytime or anywhere." Maggie adds, "I have a new button that says it all: 'GO FORTH AND ADVOCATE!' Everyone should try it."

Our thanks to the League of American Bicyclists for again organizing a first-rate Summit and to Bikes Belong for sponsoring the important event. If you would like to consider joining us in D.C. next year, please contact Jeff Miller at 623-4511.

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