NCSL Bipartisan Bike Ride 2005

Texas Bicycle Coalition helped guide the first-annual ride for state legislators at the annual meeting of the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) 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.