Bicycle Friendly America Fall 2016 - 34

BICYCLE FRIENDLY BUSINESS tion's interactions. That is how I will strengthen and grow the beautiful community of lady cyclists. During the event I sent several tweets and posts back to my lady leaders. Upon returning, I made a special effort to share forum links and takeaways. Our more than 70 lady leaders from across the country all participate in a private Facebook page where I have shared several thoughts and ideas gained while in DC. When BGDB Sheroes ask for advice, often my reply reflects some knowledge or strategy learned during summit sessions. Rachel Hollar, Founder, Bike Macon, Macon, GA I learned the importance of expressing the need for mobility changes from community members to our local leaders. Major changes and improvements require support from local decision makers. All of the session leaders who work in local government told me that their jobs rely heavily on public input. City streets will continue to be designed for cars if there is not a strong community voice advocating for improved streets designed for all forms of transportation. I met bike advocates from cities of all sizes and climates. I learned that no matter how successful your bike advocacy group is or where you live, everyone faces similar problems when it comes to improving city streets. The Summit was extremely beneficial because it helped connect me to people who have worked to eliminate bicycle obstacles and barriers in creative, successful ways. I am grateful to have met different people who can help me and provide support and encouragement when I reach future barriers and obstacles in Macon. I used the knowledge from the Summit to support my vision of an Open Streets program in Macon that reached diverse neighborhoods and attracted people of all ages, abilities and communities. With the energy from an enthusiastic volunteer team, a downtown revitalization movement, our burgeoning bike advocacy group,and an $8000 grant, I was able to leverage partnerships with the local government, nonprofits and media professionals to bring this program to life on April 17, 2016. More than 1,200 people, including Macon-Bibb County Mayor, Robert Reichert and 30 activity partners activated three miles of one of our city's most iconic and diverse streets. THANK YOU 2016 NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT BRONZE SPONSORS 34 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA https://www.bikemacon.org/ https://www.bikemacon.org/openstreets/ https://www.bikemacon.org/openstreets/ https://www.bikemacon.org/openstreets/ http://www.bosch-home.com/us/ http://www.iteris.com/ http://www.mobileye.com/en-us/ https://www.lovetoride.net/ http://www.bikearlington.com https://www.specialized.com/us/en/advocacy http://bicycletimesmag.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/park-a-bike-inc- https://qbp.com http://www.tooledesign.com/ http://www.sportworks.com https://www.rdgusa.com/

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Bicycle Friendly America Fall 2016