On March 24, Washington, D.C. became the meeting point for something bigger than bikes.
Hundreds of advocates, organizers, industry leaders and everyday riders gathered for the National Bike Summit - a three day event dedicated to one shared mission: making biking safer, more accessible, and more supported across the United States. Hosted by the League of American Bicyclists, the Summit is widely considered the most important advocacy event for cycling in the country, bringing together voices from across sectors to directly influence federal policy.
This year, that mission carried extra weight.
With the future of federal funding for biking and walking infrastructure under pressure, the conversations happening in those rooms, and on Capitol Hill, weren’t hypothetical. They were urgent. Decisions being shaped right now will determine whether cities move forward with safer streets or fall behind. And that’s exactly why people, including Po Campo Founder Maria Boustead, showed up.
From Conversation To Action
The Bike Summit itself unfolded over three packed days. Part education, part collaboration, and part direct advocacy. It began with plenary sessions and workshops designed to share knowledge and build skills, covering everything from emerging transportation trends to grassroots organizing strategies. But the defining moment came during Lobby Day.
Lobby Day is where the Summit moves beyond discussion. Advocates head to Capitol Hill to meet face-to-face with their members of Congress and their staff, making the case for why biking and walking infrastructure matters, not just for cyclists, but for communities, economies, and public health. It’s a rare and powerful opportunity to connect real stories with real decision-makers, and it’s a core reason the Summit exists.
This year, those conversations were especially critical, as lawmakers began shaping the next major transportation bill - a piece of legislation that determines how billions of dollars are allocated across the country.
Po Campo On The Ground
We were proud to be there as a Gold Level sponsor, standing alongside long-time partners and advocates who have been doing this work for decades. But more than that, we were there to support the people showing up.
Throughout the summit, attendees carried our Musette bag, designed for days exactly like this. The kind of days where you’re moving between meetings, conversations, and moments that matter. Lightweight, practical, and ready to keep up, it became part of the rhythm of the Summit itself. Because advocacy doesn’t happen in one place. It happens everywhere at once.
Momentum You Could Feel
What stood out most wasn’t just the structure of the Summit - it was the energy. There’s something powerful about being in a room where everyone is working toward the same goal, but bringing completely different perspectives to the table. Local advocates sharing hard-won wins from their cities. Industry leaders in complete streets pushing for innovation. First-time attendees learning how to turn passion into action.
For Po Campo founder Maria Boustead, the experience felt deeply personal. She shared that one sentiment came up again and again throughout the summit: it felt like an annual family reunion. All year long, people are doing the hard work, often in isolation, often facing resistance, and right now it feels like an uphill battle. Being in a space with others who truly understand that experience created a sense of connection that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
That feeling carried through to the summit’s award ceremony, where advocates are recognised for their impact. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, often without fanfare, so taking a moment to acknowledge those efforts matters more than ever. It’s a reminder that progress is being made, even when it doesn’t always feel visible.
And this year, that sense of momentum felt undeniable.
What Happens Next?
The Summit may be over, but the work continues in local councils, in community groups, in everyday rides. Because change doesn’t come from one event. It comes from people continuing to show up, again and again.
So we’ll leave you with this:
What would make your community better for biking?
More protected lanes? Better connections between neighbourhoods? Safer streets for families, commuters, and new riders? Comment below!
Whatever it looks like, we’re with you for the ride.
Because when people come together like this, change doesn’t just feel possible. It starts to happen.
