On Thursday, March 15, 2018, bicycle, active transportation, and Safe Routes to School advocates from throughout the state will gather in Saint Paul for the annual Minnesota Bike Summit on Capitol Hill.

The day will focus on funding for Safe Routes to School, authorizing and funding state active transportation programs, making state policies more bicycle friendly, and more. Attendees will hear from leaders in state and local government (including members of the Minnesota Mayoral Active Transportation Caucus), legislators, and other experts in the morning. After lunch, attendees will cross the street and meet directly with their legislators.

BikeMN will schedule appointments for attendees to meet with their legislators.Morning sessions will include training and coaching on talking with your legislators. Appointment times with specific legislators will be posted the morning of the Bike Summit to assist you in mapping your day. Please plan to attend a meeting with your legislator even if you are not able to attend the full Summit.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP OR TRAVEL STIPEND

As in years past, BikeMN will be offering a limited number of attendance scholarships for the MN Bike Summit. This year, thanks to generous sponsorships by individual BikeMN Members, we’re able to offer even more scholarships ($20 value) as well as travel stipends ($100 value).

Please email info@bikemn.org to learn more about scholarships and travel stipends or fill out the online request form here by March 4.

BikeMN is striving to engage advocates within both urban and rural communities in the 2018 Minnesota Bike Summit. Our goal is to make the cost of attending and travel less of a barrier. Youth, women, people with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, immigrants, people of color and those traveling from Greater Minnesota are encouraged to apply. All are welcome.

SUMMIT SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

• 9:15 a.m. – Registration and check-in; networking; and continental breakfast at Christ Lutheran Church
• 10:00 a.m. – Morning sessions and speakers
• Noon – Lunch provided (included in the registration fee). Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options will be available.
• 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Meet with legislators to discuss the BikeMN Legislative Agenda. Scheduling varies for each participant depending upon legislator availability.
• 1:30-3:30 p.m. – Educational track for non-lobbying practitioners and state employees.
• 2:30-5:00 p.m. – Informal get-together at Sweeney’s Saloon after legislator meetings. Attendees will be responsible for purchasing their own refreshments.