In Washington DC last week at National Bike Summit, Bikes Belong launched peopleforbikes.org, a campaign to unite one million voices for the future of bicycling. Because as we know, there is power in numbers. The presentation received very positive reviews: In the five days that followed, more than 3,700 people pledged their support and close to 6,000 people viewed the “If I ride” video on YouTube.

So please visit peopleforbikes.org, and help Bikes Belong gather pledges and support from your local customers.

The 2010 National Bike Summit drew over 725 cycling advocates from across the Union last week, including 108 Trek Retailers, Trek President John Burke, and Trek’s Advocacy guru Krista Rettig. Thanks to everyone who attended and made their voice heard at this influential and important event.

Highlights of the 10th annual Summit included the unveiling of Google Map’s “Bike There” feature, the successful lobbying of representatives by constituents, and the commitment of Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to promote and fund a bicycle friendly future in America.

“This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized,” wrote LaHood on his blog following the Summit. “We are integrating the needs of bicyclists in federally-funded road projects. We are discouraging transportation investments that negatively affect cyclists and pedestrians. And we are encouraging investments that go beyond the minimum requirements and provide facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.”

Want to learn more about the events at this year’s Summit?  Checkout these links below:

Read Ray LaHood’s entire blog post and watch video coverage of the Summit at http://fastlane.dot.gov/2010/03/my-view-from-atop-the-table-at-the-national-bike-summit.html#more 
Read the League of American Bicyclist’s Top 10 Summit Highlights at http://www.bikeleague.org/blog/2010/03/10th-national-bike-summit-rocked/.
Also read John Burke’s Top 10 Summit Highlights at http://agreatride.typepad.com/a-great-ride/2010/03/national-bike-summit-wrapup.html#more on his new blog, “A Great Ride.”

Remember, it’s never too early to begin planning your trip to the 2011 National Bike Summit!

After months of waiting and some light nudging from some dedicated groups, Google has finally released the beta version of the “Go By Bike” feature for Check out any google map directions and click the dropdown menu and select “Bicycling”.
The application is just in beta format right now so feel free to report back to Google with any unmapped bike routes or streets that are not suited for cycling. It already seems pretty dialed as I bike mapped my route to a favorite pub and “the Google” already knew that the main street along the route is part highway and re-routed me to a street I was previously unaware of. Can’t wait to try out the new route.

Many props to the Google peeps today!