Texas Bicycle Coalition and Bicycle Coalition of Washington
Team up to Guide Ride for State Legislators
Texas Bicycle Coalition helped guide the
first-annual ride for state legislators at the annual meeting of the
National Conference of State Legislators on Friday, August 19 in
Seattle, Washington.
While legislators from across the country descended upon Seattle to
exchange ideas and work on challenging national issues, they were able
to get in a little recreation and spend some quality time on a bike.
Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis [D – Houston] and Washington State
Representative Fred Jarrett [R – 41st District] hosted the bi-partisan
road ride through Seattle. Senator Ellis asked Texas Bicycle Coalition
to coordinate with the Bicycle Alliance of Washington to guide state
legislators on the ride. Montlake Bicycle Shop in Seattle donated bikes
for legislators to ride.
The low-key ride provided an opportunity for Coalition
representatives from both states to introduce legislators to the simple
pleasure of a road ride with friends. The ride was a very effective way
for Texas Bicycle Coalition to reach out to legislators on a national
stage and increase their awareness of cycling issues.
Executive Director Robin Stallings joined the legislators
on the ride and took full advantage of the opportunity to get to know
more lawmakers and expand Texas Bicycle Coalition’s legislative
advocacy efforts. The event symbolizes Texas Bicycle Coalition reaching
a new pinnacle in advocacy and demonstrates that Texas legislators are
recognizing the Coalition as the premiere bicycling organization in
Texas.
