Our keynote speakers have been announced! The opening banquet of the 2009 National Bike Summit, Tuesday March 10 at 6.00pm, will feature Andreas Rohl, head of the City of Copenhagen’s Bicycle Program Office – 36% of trips in Denmark’s capital city are made by bike, and Andreas’ job is to increase this to 40% or more! Also on the program that evening, the presentation of the National Center for Safe Routes to Schools’ James L. Oberstar prize – the award will be given by none other than Congressman Oberstar himself.

Wednesday morning’s opening plenary will be kicked off in traditional style by Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), with a discussion to follow featuring prominent players in the upcoming transportation bill authorization.

Wednesday lunchtime our focus shifts to the critical links between transportation, land use, recreation and physical activity. Our featured speaker is Larry Selzer, President and CEO of The Conservation Fund, a national nonprofit organization headquartered in metropolitan Washington, DC. The Conservation Fund protects the nation’s legacy of land and water resources in partnership with other nonprofit organizations, public agencies, foundations, corporations and individuals. Through land acquisition, community initiatives, and leadership development, The Fund and its partners demonstrate sustainable conservation solutions emphasizing the integration of economic and environmental goals.

2009 National Bike Summit program