2026 National Bike Summit: Recap

The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition joins advocates from across the county at the National Bike Summit.

Last week, Advocacy and Community Manager Ian Hembree and Field Representative Quincie Bump attended The National Bike Summit in our nation’s capital. This signature event was created by The League of American Bicyclists to bring together advocates from across the country and share knowledge on how to build a more bicycle-friendly future.

During Summit Lobby Day on Capitol Hill, the California delegation, including Ian and Quincie, met with State Senators Padilla and Schiff, as well as multiple House Representatives from districts across San Diego County to build support for the League’s 3 big asks for federal transportation legislation. Those asks were:

1. Protect Transportation Alternatives funding

2. Increase funding for Safe Streets for All grants

3. Maintain the Vulnerable Road User special rule

These three programs have helped provide billions of dollars of funding for active transportation and street safety projects nationwide, including examples in San Diego County. Just a few are: the Uptown Phase 4: Mission Hills to Old Town Bikeway, the City of San Diego Bike Master Plan Update, the City of Oceanside Safe Streets for All Action Plan, and the City of San Diego Speed Management Plan. 

The Summit concluded with a protest of the removal of the 15th Street protected bike lane in front of the Washington Monument, in cooperation with the National Park Service. 

Thank you to the League of American Bicyclists for facilitating connection between bike advocates and providing a space for every voice in our movement!