 
July 23, 2008
Legislators Ride for Common Ground
More than 50 legislators and staff come together for a bipartisan bike ride.
NEW ORLEANS - Lawmakers from across the country are peddling toward change on Thursday, June 24. More than 50 state legislators, family members and legislative staff will take part in the National Conference of State Legislatures' 4th annual Bipartisan Bike Ride during the Legislative Summit.
The ride will start at 6:30 a.m., Thursday near the Ernest Morial Convention Center at the corner of Diamond Street and Convention Center Boulevard in downtown New Orleans. The route will wind through the streets and recovering communities of New Orleans. Participants will cycle through historic neighborhoods and see the role that bike and pedestrian improvements can play in a neighborhood's recovery.
"The Bipartisan Bike Ride will give you an opportunity to view the new birth of New Orleans from a unique perspective," said Texas state Senator Rodney Ellis. From Houston, Senator Ellis is an avid cycling fan and co-hosts the ride every year. "Cycling is also a great way to spend time with friends and family while burning a few calories!"
Cycling novices will discover the joy and practicality of the bicycle, while cycling aficionados will share tips and enjoy a guided ride with friends and family. This will be the biggest ride NCSL has offered at its Legislative Summit. Bikes, helmets and riding advice are provided by Bike Texas. This year's Bipartisan Bike Ride is hosted by Texas state Senator Rodney Ellis and Louisiana state Representative Patrick Connick and co-coordinated by NCSL, BikeTexas and the New Orleans Metro Bicycle Coalition. Sponsors for this year's ride are Allied Waste Services, Wal-Mart, and TXU Energy.
"The ride has been an unquestioned success every year, with everyone expressing gratitude for the opportunity to get some exercise in a fun, group setting while learning more about the host city," said Douglas Shinkle, policy associate at NCSL.
Bipartisan Bike Ride
Thursday, July 24, 2008
6:30 am
Corner of Diamond Street and Convention Center Boulevard
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
###
|
