3/4/2005

Concerned supporters of a bike friendly Texas,

Senate Hearing for Texas Bicycle Tourism Trails Bill:
Senator Rodney Ellis has authored Senate Bill 602, ie. Texas Bicycle Tourism Trails. Please show the Senator that Texas cyclists support his efforts.

If you live in or near Austin, and have the flexibility to get out on Monday, please come to the State Capitol building room E1.028 at 3 p.m. in business attire to show your support for Senate Bill 602. Out of respect for the committee Senators' time, we don't want more people to testify. We have already arranged for four speakers; however, we badly need an audience to demonstrate support and fill out comment cards.

Is your Senator on the committee? (See below)

Please call or email his office by 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 7th. The Senators are very busy. However, it's okay to leave a message with a staff member.

Phone/email script: Be brief!
Tell the staff member that you'd like Senator x to support Senate Bill 602. In your own words, tell them the economic and health benefits that Texans can realize with the passage of this bill.

Find out who your senator is:
<<http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/fyi/fyi.htm>>

_______________________________________________

Senator X,

My name is (Firstname Lastname). I am a/an (occupation). I am also a cyclist. I live in your district in (City). Will you please support Senate Bill 602 so that all Texans can reap the health and economic benefits of Bicycle Tourism Trails and Routes?

Thank you,
(Firstname Lastname)

____________________________________________:

Note: One letter or phone call from a Senator's district is better than ten from outside the district.

Here is a list of Senators on the Sub-Committee on Emerging Technologies & Economic Development

Please contact only your own Senator

Chair:
Senator John Carona - R-Dallas
(512) 463-0116
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Members:
Senator Kip Averitt - R-Waco
(512) 463-0122
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Senator Kim Brimer - R-Ft.Worth
(512) 463-0110
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Senator Craig Estes - R-Wichita Falls
(512) 463-0130
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Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. - D-Brownsville
(512) 463-0127
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Stay apprised of all of our legislative efforts during this busy session at BikeTexas.Org.

Together, we'll make Texas a great state for cycling.

Thank you,

Robin Stallings
Executive Director
Texas Bicycle Coalition
www.biketexas.org

___________________________

1/25/2005

Attention all Texas cyclists: The 2005 legislative season has begun!

Dear Texas Cyclist,

I am writing to thank you for your role in making our state not only a better place to bike, but also a better place to live. You are making a significant contribution to Texas.

I want to let you know about three opportunities to directly engage your representatives in bicycle safety, access and education discussions. This year the next six-year Federal Transportation Bill will be decided. The Texas Legislature will also be considering several bills of importance to cyclists. Please show up at one or more of these events and let your elected representatives know their constituents are concerned about cycling. It's important for Texas that you make your voice heard about the need for a safe bicycling environment.

Hope to see you there,

Robin Stallings
Executive Director
Texas Bicycle Coalition

Please put these events on your calendar and encourage your club to sponsor one of your club members to represent cycling interests from your region:

National Bike Summit
League of American Bicyclists - www.bikeleague.org
March 16-18, 2005, Washington, DC
"Since 2001, the National Bike Summit® has brought together thousands of bicyclists; industry leaders; transportation, health and environmental professionals; and local, state and federal officials; all of whom are concerned with the future of bicycling. Its relevance and success have produced numerous educational, programming and policy success stories at all levels of government. Each year, as Summit participation grows, so do the benefits and outcomes. Help play a role in making 2005 the most successful Summit to date by coming to DC in March!" -League of American Bicyclists

Help ensure the next six-year Federal Transportation Bill is bicycle-friendly. Our goal is to get at least one representative from each Texas bike club to attend. We need your help. A strong show of cyclists dressed in business attire will let our representatives know that cycling is serious business in Texas.

24 Hours of D.C.
International Mountain Bicycling Association - www.imba.com
April 7, 2005, Washington, DC
For more information go to: News Release
"The goal is simple: raise awareness about access and recreation issues and convince lawmakers that mountain biking deserves their support. The fun begins with a party Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. IMBA staff will equip participants with talking points, handouts and lobbying advice. The next morning, we'll hit the halls of Congress and talk to our elected representatives and staff about key legislation and how it impacts mountain biking. Finally, we'll celebrate our success with a Thursday evening shindig." -IMBA

Cyclists in Suits
Texas Bicycle Coalition - www.biketexas.org
April 18, 2005, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Austin, Texas
RSVP to This email address is being protected from spam bots, enable JavaScript to view it.
Cyclists in Suits, Texas Bike Lobby Day is an opportunity for Texas Cyclists to share their love of cycling with state legislators. Our goal is to have cyclists from every legislative district in Texas visit the capitol and show the legislature that we are voters and we want them to represent our interests.

All of these events will begin with an introduction to the best practices for meeting with legislators.

Cyclists must be willing to wear suits to all of these events. We want to make a professional impression on our legislators.

Cost for the Washington, D.C. events vary, but anticipate roughly $1000 for airfare, lodging, and event fees.