2016 Wisconsin Bike Summit

For immediate release

Contact: Dave Cieslewicz at 608-698-4971

Wisconsin Bike Summit This Saturday

Bicycle advocates (and those who just love biking) from all over the state will meet in La Crosse this Saturday for the 2016 Wisconsin Bike Summit convened by the Wisconsin Bike Fed. There’s still time to register.

The Summit kicks off this Saturday, May 21st, at 8:30 AM at the La Crosse Radisson.

There will be 15 workshops covering most aspects of cycling. Here’s a sampling of some of the most interesting:

·      The Power of Possibility: Adapting Bikes for Kids with Disabilities. Former Olympian and “bike whisperer” Brent Emery is working to adapt the bicycle to the needs of children with physical disabilities. Come hear how it can be done.

·      Senior Cycling: Getting Seniors Back in the Saddle. Cycling can have amazing health benefits for older Americans, including obesity prevention, stress reduction and more. And it’s a great way to stay mobile and independent. Learn what’s being done to get seniors back on their bikes.

·      How to put 32,000 Kids on Bikes. The Twin Cities based FB4K nonprofit is on a mission to get bikes to the millions of American kids who don’t have access to one. Last year they set a Guiness World Record by collecting 5,500 bikes in only seven hours. FB4K is now planting chapters in places all over the country. See how you can get involved.

·      U.S. Bicycle Routes in Wisconsin. It’s a grand dream: an integrated national system of bike routes just like the Interstate System for cars and trucks. And planning is underway for the Wisconsin network. Come see how your community will be connected.

·      Wisconsin Women & Bicycling. Only about 25% of cyclists in the U.S. are women while in European countries women make up half all those riding a bike. Come hear from the Bike Fed’s “roll models” about how to address the common concerns of female would-be cyclists.

In addition, the lunch time keynote speaker with be UW – La Crosse history professor Jim Longhurst who will talk about his new book, “Bike Battles: A History of Sharing the American Road.” Cyclists created the good roads movement that has benefited us all and yet too often people who ride bikes have been pushed to the edge of the road both literally and metaphorically. Find out why and how things are rapidly changing in favor of two-wheeled travel.

“This is a great lineup of workshops and discussions for anyone interested in cycling from a health, economic development, social justice or just about any other perspective. And we’re looking forward to being in La Crosse, a great biking region,” said Bike Fed Executive Director Dave Cieslewicz.

Registration is $33.50 and includes lunch. Those interested can register in advance online at wisconsinbikefed.org or register at the Raddison on Saturday morning.