Request for Proposals: Session Themes

We expect every presentation to address equity, diversity, and inclusion, which we believe are key elements of Safe Streets for Everyone, across themes. We are also seeking presentations focused mainly on equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you have an idea for a presentation that doesn’t fit precisely into one of the themes below, please select the one closest to your topic area and provide more details on how your topic relates to Safe Streets for Everyone.

Safe Streets through Equity – We believe when more people ride bikes, life is better for everyone therefore we must eliminate the burdens and injustices that have marginalized people and deprived them of the benefits of bicycling. What ways have you gotten more people from underserved communities riding? How are you reaching people of all ages and abilities with your bike positive messages? Have you addressed race and “biking while black” in your community? Are your rides drawing more women and people with disabilities?

Safe Streets through Education – The knowledge and skills to operate bicycles and motor vehicles safely together is essential to a safe streets. What are you doing to give bicyclists the skills to bike safely and the confidence to bike more? How are the youth of your community receiving bicycling, walking, and transportation education in your community? How are you reaching new communities and underserved groups with bicycling education? What best practices can you share on driver education?

Safe Streets through Design – The built environment determines not only our ability to get around as bicyclists, but also contributes to our well-being. What best practices are you using in your community to build all ages and abilities bicycle networks? How should we be thinking about land use, transit, and other issues to ensure our communities are more equitable, accessible, and bikeable?

Safe Streets through Data & Research – Better health, stronger local economies, less stressful streets--there are many reasons to invest in building safer streets that encourage people to bike or walk places. How have you used data and research to advocate for safer streets? What research needs do you have?

Safe Streets through Culture Change  – Building a strong bike culture is vital to improving safe streets for everyone and doesn’t mean a one-size-fits-all or superimposing some other Bicycle Friendly Community onto yours. How are you building an authentic bike culture in your community? What inspires the joy of biking and how do we encourage more people to experience it? How have you turned skeptical decision makers into believers in bicycling? Some states are now teaching the Dutch Reach to new drivers--what other ways can we ingrain bicycling into everyday life?

Safe Streets through Advocacy – From the grassroots to the marbled halls of Congress, advocacy for safer streets is a catalyst for making biking better. Have you made a human protected bike lane? Used red cups, planted plants, or plungers to supplement paint? Worked with victims of traffic violence? What tactics, strategies, and organizational models have helped you in your advocacy at the local, state, and/or federal level?

Safe Streets through Technology – Technology is providing new solutions - like e-bikes - and new threats - like distracted driving. How are you engaging with new technologies to make streets safer? What can governments do to make sure that automated vehicles, e-bikes, and e-scooters contribute to an America where our streets are safer and people bike more? In this innovative time, how have you turned opportunities into results?

See the full 2020 Request for Proposals here.

Learn more about the 2020 Summit Formats. 

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The 21st Annual National Bike Summit happens March 15-17, 2020 in Arlington, VA and Washington, D.C. - We hope to see you there!