National Bike Summit 2010: Secretary LaHood gives "rock star" speech

One of the changes that has come about--as a result of the advocacy of thousands of you who have attended or supported the advocacy at the National Bike Summit over the years--is a tremendous change in the amount of support for bicycling and walking at every level of politics, but particularly in the various transportation agencies of the federal government.

We saw that in the speech by Peter Rogoff, administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, in his speech at the Plenary Session.  BikePortland summarized his speech:

Peter Rogoff speaks
Peter Rogoff speaks
“Our mission is the same as your mission,” said Rogoff, “We are trying to get our policies and our programs to recognize the new reality.” According to Rogoff, a new reality exists because people are “cramming for choices” in how they move around and “We need to upgrade our policies and programs to reflect it.” . . . “I think we’re beginning to put our money where our mouth is on these issues.”

He also acknowledged that there is “pushback on this agenda. . . .That’s why it’s all the more important you’re here.”

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, the former Republican congressman for Illinois, leaped up on a table top and delivered his impromptu speech to the packed room at the Summit's final reception--but he seemed to capture the mood of many at the Summit.  According to BikePortland's transcript, he said:

“What an effort a year makes huh? All of the work all of you have been doing for so long has paid huge huge dividends. People get it. People want to live in livable communities. People want streetcars that are made in Portland, Oregon. People want walking paths, biking paths, and opportunities for families to really do the things they do best — which is to hang together and have fun… And you all created an opportunity for America with all of your hard work.

I really came here just to say thank you to all of you for hanging in there with us. You all have made a big difference. Our whole livable community program… The President has included money in his next year’s budget for it; we’re collaborating with HUD, we’re going to put affordable housing next to walking paths and biking paths!

I’ve been all over America, and where I’ve been in America I’ve been very proud to talk about the fact that people do want alternatives. Mob sceneThey want out of their cars; they want out of congestion; they want to live in livable neighhoods. And we would not be where we’re at today without you…. I’m very, very grateful!”

BikePortland, which has a full report on the event, says LaHood was "mobbed like a rock star" and, speaking as one who was part of the mob, that description is not far off.

Part of the mob was PedNet's own Michelle Windmoeller, who invited Secretary LaHood to Columbia to walk with one of the city's Walking School Buses--and the Secretary said he'd love to come and do just that. 

The event will be similar to the one Columbia held last May, where Senator Bond came and walked with West Boulevard Elementary schoolchildren:

Senator Bond walks to school with Columbia children

More information about the 2010 National Bike Summit:

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