What is BFW Wisconsin State Bicycle Lobby Day? Click here.

What is BFW Wisconsin State Bicycle Lobby Day?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007 will be the second annual Wisconsin Bicycle Lobby Day. Our goal will be to have a district resident bicyclist visit every one of the 99 state assemblypersons and 33 state senators. The Bicycle Federation can be a resource and an overall state voice for bicyclists, but ultimately elected officials are servants of their home district constituents. A visit from a constituent is a powerful statement to a state Assemblyperson or Senator.

We will be bringing three messages to the Capitol on April 10th:

1. I bicycle and I vote!
Wisconsin's Assemblypersons and Senators need to know that bicycling is a major recreational, competitive sporting, tourism, and transportation issue. It would be hard to find a person who has not owned or ridden a bicycle in their lifetime. We want our elected officials to see bicyclists as an important constituency. Connecting a face to the word "bicycle" also connects the word "bicycle" to a vote.

2. Support funding for bicycle trails and programs
Bicycle Federation works hard with the Wisconsin Departments of Transportation, Natural Resources, Tourism, and Health level assure bicycle trails, paths, lanes, educational programs, and planning are developed. All of those projects require funding, however. And, ultimately, funding depends on the state legislature's approval. We would like state assemblypersons and senators to always support funding to improve conditions for bicyclists in our state.

3. Join the Wisconsin State Bicycle Caucus
Bicycle Federation is starting a brand new group called the Wisconsin State Bicycle Caucus. Assemblypersons and state Senators can voice their support by joining this new group. Their affiliation does not bind them to any certain vote, but rather speaks to a general belief that bicycling is good for Wisconsin. We'd like every elected official at the Capitol to join the caucus.

The schedule of events for April 10th will include a light breakfast training session, a day of visiting offices, and an evening reception. A limited number of home stays will be available on a first come basis. There is no charge for Wisconsin State Bicycle Lobby Day, but your contributions to defray costs are welcome.

Lobby Day Materials will be mailed to you the last week in March. Please contact and arrange for your own legislators' meetings.

Resources: Who are your legislators?

Questions? Contact Nancy at nancy@bfw.org or 608-251-4456.