Now that we are no lounger using our annual Mayors’ Rides to scout out  a route, here is why we continue to do them. It is excerpted from  Why The National Bicycle Greenway does International Mayors’ Rides a passage found in  “How America Can Bike and Grow Rich, the National Bicycle Greenway in Action” FREE HERE

The Big Picture:

Besides helping our Mayors’ Ride  cities to show that good bike infrastructure means good quality of life, by placing them in friendly competition with one another, as they make it safe for bike riders to get to their own businesses and attractions, our Mayors’ Ride cities, by default, will also become attractive travel destinations for out of the area bike riders as well. And as  cyclists regularly enjoy the roads and paths  that  connect these cities to one another, when these population centers see how much business  long haul cyclists are bringing their way in the form of hotel stays, restaurant  meals and visits to their attractions, etc,  city leaders will lobby their regional legislators to make it safer and more enjoyable for pedal visitors to reach them.  And as this happens, more and more cities will lobby the  NBG to include them in our Mayors’ Ride network. Soon, the momentum for a Greenway network that connects our growing network of Mayors’ Ride cities to one another will explode into a momentum that cannot be stopped!!!