Do you like to hike or bike in KY? Come and meet your people in Lexington this week. | Opinion
As someone who has always enjoyed of biking and walking, I can’t overstate the benefits that come with these activities — benefits that go beyond personal health and well-being to include community and environmental issues and their impacts on quality of life. Biking and walking have been a significant part of my life for as long as I can remember. Whether it’s been through work, advocacy, or simply participating, I’ve always found joy in every aspect. There is something incredibly satisfying about the simplicity of moving through the world under your own power, and the sense of community that forms among those who share this passion.
I am eagerly looking forward to attending the 2024 Bike Walk Kentucky Summit on Aug. 15 and 16 in Lexington at Transylvania University, and it’s not just because it’s 6 years since the last one. The Bike Walk Kentucky Summit is a rare opportunity to meet people from across the state who are as committed to making our communities safer and more accessible for cyclists and pedestrians.
One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s summit is the diversity of topics that will be presented. I’m particularly looking forward to hearing from internationally known musician Ben Sollee, whose work often intersects with environmental and community issues and his love for biking. His unique perspective will undoubtedly add a rich layer to the discussions about how we can integrate biking and walking into the fabric of our daily lives and communities. Other keynote speakers include Bill Nesper, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists who will discuss strategies to advocate for youth biking education and Kalene Griffith, the CEO of Bentonville, Arkansas Tourism Department who will highlight the economic impact of cycling tourism.
But it’s not just the speakers that have me excited—it’s the participants as well. The fact that so many state and local elected officials will be attending speaks volumes about the growing recognition of the importance of biking and walking in urban planning and community design. It’s thrilling to see the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet so heavily involved, especially under the leadership of Secretary Jim Gray and State Highway Engineer James Ballinger. Their commitment to changing the car-centric mindset that has dominated the Cabinet for so long is crucial for the future of our state’s transportation infrastructure.
This summit represents a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on cars and promote safer, more sustainable modes of transportation. I’m particularly eager to learn more about the specific initiatives the Transportation Cabinet is implementing to make biking and walking safer for all Kentuckians. It’s encouraging to see such high-level leadership on these issues, and I’m hopeful that the knowledge and strategies shared at the summit will help us all to advocate more effectively for making biking and walking safer in our own communities.
In short, the 2024 Bike Walk Kentucky Summit is more than just a conference — it’s a celebration of a movement that has been steadily gaining momentum over the past few decades. It’s a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from experts, and gather the inspiration and tools needed to continue the push for safer, more walkable, and bikeable communities across Kentucky. I can’t wait to be a part of it.
Keith Lovan is a board member of Bike Walk Kentucky. To register for the Summit, go to https://bikewalk.ky/summit.
This story was originally published August 12, 2024 at 9:28 AM.