Arlington, MASS. – Lauren Hefferon, Founder and Director of bicycle tour company Ciclismo Classico, is honored to announce she will be a panelist at the 2nd annual National Bike Summit Panel on Tourism during the National Bike Summit March 8 - 11, 2011 in Washington D.C. Hefferon is speaking for the second year in a row and will address organizing and supporting the bike travel and tourism sectors. For more information, visit http://www.ciclismoclassico.com.
Speaking to over 750 bicycling advocates and state delegates, Lauren and the Panel on Tourism will offer a learning and working session with entrepreneurs and non-profit leaders that will tackle how to connect with the travel industry and tourism bureaus, how the bike travel sector can better organize itself to support cycling in America, how to gauge and promote the economic impact of bike tourism, and how to connect with “non-endemic” travel industries like trains and coach carriers. Additional sessions will address the implications of mid-term elections, innovative financing methods for alternative transportation systems, the impact of corporate investments in creating bikeable communities, and more.
“Having an opportunity to speak at this event in 2010 was thrilling, and it’s an honor to be invited again this year,” said Hefferon. “Last year we had two members from Capitol Hill join us for the 10th Annual Congressional Bike Ride, Google Maps biking directions was announced, and Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff confirmed the eligibility of FTA funds for bicycling and walking project. I am excited to see what happens this year.”
In addition to Lauren Hefferon of Ciclismo Classico; the National Bike Summit Panel on Tourism will include: Jim Books, Dakota Bicycle Tours; Jerry Norquist, Cycle Oregon; Robin Phillips, Consultant and past policy director, American Bus Association; Amanda White, Associate Director, Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin; and Tania Worgull, President, Trek Travel. mention that Jim Sayer (exec director of Adv Cycling )will be moderating the panel
This year marks the 11th year that the League of American Bicyclists has organized the National Bike Summit where advocates, industry executives and education experts gather from across the country to speak-up for bicycling on Capitol Hill.