The annual Pennsylvania Walks and Bikes Summit will be held in Harrisburg on May 4.
Every year, PA Walks and Bikes brings together pedestrian and bicycle advocates, coalition partners, and other friends to gather in the State Capital.
Participants will carry a vital message: having safe, convenient places to walk and bicycle is essential for Pennsylvania’s communities. The Summit will promote policies and investments that enable people of all ages and skill levels to ride and walk safely both on the road and on the trail.
This year’s Summit will be held on May 4, 2011 with a rally on the Capitol steps, followed by a luncheon discussion and legislative meetings. We will push for a Safe Routes to Schools and policies that make it easier to build bike lanes and trails in your town. We will be calling for passage of the essential Safe Passing bill. PA Walks and Bikes will also facilitate meetings for attendees with their legislators that day.
Registration is now open at this link.
Schedule
9:00 – Arrive at City Island in Harrisburg for the ride and walk to the Capitol.
9:30 – Ride and walk depart from City Island for the steps of the State Capitol.
10:00 – Rally on the steps of the State Capitol.
11:00 – 3:00 – Meetings with members of the General Assembly, as schedules permit, and literature drop. We will use Hearing Room 5 in the Keystone Building as our base location.
12:00 – Keynote address and advocacy discussion over lunch. Hearing Room 5 in the Keystone Building.
Location
Red – City Island, meet for walk and bike to capitol
Yellow – Capitol Steps Rally
Green – Keystone Building, luncheon discussion
Lavender – Comfort Inn Riverfront
Teal – Amtrak station
Lodging
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Comfort Inn Riverfront with a group rate of $69.99. Please mention that you are attending the Summit when you make your reservation. The front desk can be reached at (717) 233-1611.
This hotel is located along the Harrisburg Riverfront, right along the Capitol Area Greenbelt. It provides convenient access to downtown Harrisburg by foot or bike.
Transportation
Amtrak’s Keystone line offers convenient service to downtown Harrisburg and the Summit activities.
Megabus also serves Harrisburg, but its stop is located outside the city. If you are interested in taking the Megabus, please contact Josh at 717-856-2814 or pawalkbike@gmail.com and he will help to arrange for a pickup for you.
Bicycle Rentals
Bicycles can be rented at a special rate of $10/day from Susquehanna Outfitters on City Island at the start of the ride to the Capitol. Please contact them to reserve a bike.
Parking
If you plan to arrive at the Summit by car, we recommend that you park on City Island where easy, convenient parking is available for $5/day. We will also use City Island as the meeting point for the walk and bike ride.
