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Press Releases:

Planet Bike Supports Advocates at National Bike Summit

Madison, Wis. --May 2, 2007   Planet Bike put its support behind the efforts of bicycle advocates as they descended upon Washington, D.C. for the National Bike Summit from March 14-16. 

This year, Planet Bike was a leading sponsor of the National Bike Summit which brings together bicycle industry leaders, bike advocates, enthusiasts, and politicians to further propel bicycling into the political consciousness of the nation and advance the interests of bicyclists across the country. Planet Bike also provided complimentary car-free pedi-cab rides to Summit participants between Senate and House offices on Capitol Hill. 

              

Planet Bike's own Jay Ferm organized the Wisconsin delegation as they met with Senators Kohl and Feingold and other congress people from the state. John Burke of Trek, Jeff Frehner of Pacific Cycle, Chris Fortune of Saris and Chris Kegel of Wheel and Sprocket were also active members of the delegation whose purpose it was to convince elected officials of the importance of weaving the bike into the fabric of our society to create healthier, safer, less car-dependent and more vital communities. 

Each year the League of American Bicyclists organizes the National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C. so that bike proponents can dialogue with elected officials about the importance of bicycle related issues. This year more than 430 leaders from the world of cycling made the voice of bicycling heard on Capitol Hill. 

Among other things, participants lobbied for the Bicycle Commuter Act which proposes a tax break to employers who encourage employees to commute by bike. If passed, this would give individuals greater financial incentive to commute by bike by helping them to defray expenses for things like the purchase of a helmet, regular bike tune-ups, gear for year-round pedaling and other expenses associated with bicycle commuting. The other important lobbying effort was to secure funding for the Conserve By Bicycling program. This is a program to establish ten test programs and study the resultant health, environmental, and economic benefits when individuals use their bikes to replace car trips.



Planet Bike Helps Hometown Go Platinum  

Madison, Wis. --March 15, 2007-- Planet Bike, a leading manufacturer of innovative, high quality, and practical bicycle accessories, is actively helping Madison become a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community.

Planet Bike has come together with Wisconsin-based Saris Cycling Group, Pacific Cycle, Inc. and Trek Bicycle Corporation to propel the city of Madison from Gold to Platinum status.  As a result, Planet Bike has made a financial contribution to Madison's Platinum Bicycle Committee.  Further, Planet Bike's Advocacy Coordinator Jay Ferm is serving as one of the committee's co-chairs.  "We all know that Madison is a great city in which to be a bicyclist and we are trying to make it even better," said Ferm, "Personally, I am excited to be serving on the city's Platinum Committee on behalf of Planet Bike to further strengthen Madison's commitment to safe and sustainable bicycle transportation." 

Beginning in 2003, the League of American Bicyclists launched its "Bicycle Friendly Community Campaign."  The goal of the campaign is to identify communities that successfully employ measures that improve conditions for bicyclists.  Cities that prove to be bicycle-friendly by implementing safe bike routes and encouraging citizens to commute by bicycle are honored with either a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level designation. 

The rationale behind the BFC's campaign is that if we can transform our towns and cities into safe and convenient places to bike, we will use less gas, become more fit, and reduce traffic congestion.  As Planet Bike owner Bob Downs said, "This is the kind of world we at Planet Bike hope for.  That is why we support Madison's efforts to gain the coveted Platinum designation."

Currently, Madison has been named one of seven Gold-level communities in the country but the goal is now to join Davis, California as the only other Platinum designee in the country. 

Planet Bike builds high quality bicycle accessories that make it easier for people to ride their bikes. Since its inception in 1996, Planet Bike has believed in the potential of the bicycle to improve the world and the lives of the people in it. Therefore, each year it has donated at least 25% of profits to causes that promote and facilitate the use of the bicycle. By the end of 2007, Planet Bike will have donated more than $500,000 to the grassroots advocacy movement.





        If you are a member of the media, 
        and in need of specific information
        about Planet Bike, please contact:

        David McMurray
        Director of Sales & Marketing
        608.256.8510
        dave@planetbike.com
              or
        Dan Powell
        Sales & Marketing
        608.256.8510
        dpowell@planetbike.com




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