Today was the first ever Minnesota Bicycle Summit. Based on attendance, it is unlikely to be the last. More than 175 people attended the event, absorbing information about cycling in Minnesota and learning to be effective citizen lobbyists on behalf of bikes.

A key theme of the event was the economic impact of cycling on Minnesota, and its positive impacts on employment, revenues, health costs, productivity and quality of life. The need to introduce children to cycling via Safe Routes to Schools programs and other outreach was another big theme throughout the event.

Because there was so much information provided, I’ve split my recap into three still very large posts:

• Morning Session
• Legislative Agenda
• Lunch & Capitol Rotunda Sessions

In the coming days, I’ll be posting additional thoughts and information on how non-attendees can help keep the momentum of this event going with their legislators. Stay tuned!

Author: julie

Julie Kosbab is an online marketing consultant and active transportation advocate living in Anoka County, Minnesota. She was one of Minnesota's only League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructors when certified in 2005. She is a past member of the National Bicycle Tour Directors Association. She has 2 children and 4 bicycles. Find her on Twitter as @betweenstations.