Dear fellow at-network colleagues,
As you may know, I am the volunteer chair of Vélo Canada Bikes, a national non-profit organization that advocates for increased federal support for everyday cycling in Canada. Founded in 2012, Vélo Canada Bikes has a vision of a Canada where all people of all ages and abilities can safely use a bicycle for daily transportation and a federal government that plays a big role in making it happen. We are hosting our 3rd National Bike Summit http://www.canadabikes.org/2019-national-bike-summit/ in Ottawa on May 13th and 14th, 2019 in conjunction with the 8th annual Bike Day on the Hill celebration and I hope you will join us.
Why attend? Highlights will include keynotes include *Todd Litman*, *Kay Teschke* (in case you missed her at ModeShift2018 she is a must see for many reasons..), *Karl Saidla,* *Teresa Tam and more.* You'd be joining and supporting a Winnipeg contingent (see Jamie Hilland's presentation for example) and contribute to the future of cycling back home (consider how many projects in Winnipeg have benefitted from federal funding in the past or stand to in the future). You are offered a chance to join meetings with MPs and Senators and make a real difference. Full program info here. http://www.canadabikes.org/2019-summit-program/
Quick breakdown: The summit is an opportunity for cycling stakeholders from across Canada to join in a national conversation on the importance of federal support for cycling in Canada, particularly policy support, such as a National Cycling Strategy and specific components especially funding for cycling infrastructure. New topics/focus this year includes the emerging e-bike revolution, MTB'ing trails and greenways, gender equity, and much more. Sunday May 12 - Pre-conference - Join us on Sunday for a national conversation on greenways and trails. Monday May 13 - The first day of the Bike Summit itself takes place at Ottawa City Hall and consist of presentations and interactive sessions. The purpose of this day is to mobilize and educate cycling stakeholders so that, together, we can take coordinated and concrete steps towards building a bike friendly Canada. In the evening, a reception will be hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Cycling Caucus on Parliament Hill. Tuesday May 14 - Day 2 takes place on the Hill itself and is a combination of meetings with MPs/Senators and concurrent programming related to federal cycling advocacy(You can opt to be included in cycling education meetings with Parliamentarians or not, but I strongly reommend it for anyone). It can be quite eye-opening, productive and always very interesting. At 4:30pm, Summit delegates will join National Health and Fitness Day organizers and participate in the 8th Annual Bike Day on the Hill. Delegates and other cycling supporters will gather on the steps of Parliament Hill for a few speeches followed by a 40 minute bike ride with MPs, Senators and other federal officials. The day will be capped off by an informal BBQ reception in the East Block courtyard.
Summit registration is open http://www.canadabikes.org/registration/ and early bird and student discounts are available. Those who register by April 12th can take advantage of early bird prices. Thanks for reading.
Kindly, Anders 204-797-1962
P.S.. I realize Ottawa is far away. It is far cheaper/easier to stay home, especially at such a busy time in the spring. I personally hate to fly and/or travel so far to reduce GHGs. However, each every time we do this, I feel that we inch just a little closer to a bike friendly Canada. And doing that opens doors for a lot of people. It is worth it. With an election coming, this is a critical chance to help put cycling on the agenda for once and for all. And whether you are a professional or a keen advocate, hearing what's up across Canada and visiting the hill itself is both invigorating and fascinating. Hope you can make it.