Our Member's Advocacy Strength Stretches to DC

I’m off to visit our Nation’s capitol for two days. During the visit, I’ll be meeting with some congressmen, most notably our newest congressman, Mike Quigley and Dan Lipinski, member of the House’s all-important Transportation subcommittee. The big meeting will be on Wednesday, when I get a chance to sit down with Secretary Ray LaHood in a small intimate meeting. I’ve gotten some great advice for my trip, and lots of input on what I should say. I’m focusing on just a few key messages, however, trusting that many groups are doing their job by communicating transportation priorities. Here’s my key focus:

1. Thank him for showing leadership on the issue of “distracted driving” and share with him our own work locally. I’ll then bridge that to asking for support for a campaign to enable a 20-mile an hour residential speed limit in urban communities.
2. Share our own stories (both successes and struggles) with implementing Safe Routes to School strategies. The model works very well in wealthy suburban districts, but seems to run into problems in urban areas that are underserved. We’re looking for support in the next transportation bill that will help pilot unique collaborative efforts with violence prevention programs.
3. Discuss our own interests in piloting Mobility Education, a strategy that seeks to supplement driver’s education with three additional sections: on-street bicycle education, on-street pedestrian safety, and overall transportation planning.

I’ll make sure to blog about the trip when I get home, but if you are interested in more up-to-the-minute news, follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/rsadowsky.