Bicycle Friendly America Summer 2017 - 16

2017 NATIONAL BIKE SUMMIT

SUMMER BY RAIL ...
AND BIKE!
SEAN JEANS-GAIL

he National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) is launching
year two of its Summer by Rail program, selecting two young scholars for
a national tour of America's rail, bike, and transit infrastructure-and the
people these systems connect.
During NARP's first Summer by Rail, Elena, a George Washington University student, took a month-long train trip across 15 states and 20 cities.
On her journey across Amtrak's national network, she met with mayors and
transportation officials, reporters, local cyclists, advocacy groups and hundreds of fellow travelers.
Summer by Rail 2 features one noticeable twist: this year, NARP will be
sending two college students-with two bikes! Each student will bring their
own perspective: Cate Boyle is a student of civil engineering at Catholic
University of America, and Victoria Principato is a finance major at CUA,
with an interest in politics she is developing through an internship with the
House Committee on the Budget. The young women hope to combine their
different perspectives to explore how Americans use transportation, and how
they're working with elected officials and planners to find infrastructure solutions and build better communities.
"I am extremely excited about this once in a lifetime opportunity. I am
looking forward to seeing the amazing cities that span the country and to
meet the incredible people who make our nation's transportation system
work," said Cate. "As a Civil Engineer, it has been a dream of mine to see
some of the most wondrous structures across the country. One of my goals
is to reach San Francisco and bike across the Golden Gate Bridge! I cannot
think of a better way to travel the country than the Summer By Rail internship!"
The two are currently planning their route, which will use Amtrak's USA
Rail Pass. They'll also take advantage of Amtrak's expanded train-side bike
check service-to get around the cities and towns they'll visit, and to explore
America's scenic bike trails.
"This exciting internship is unlike any other, and we're both so thrilled to
have this opportunity! Starting in New York City, we'll be making our way to
Niagara Falls, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, El Paso, and New Orleans, to
name a few," said Victoria. "Over the course of this month of travel, I'm really
hoping to be able to soak in the different cultures that exist in every region
of America. Travelling by train and bike will allow us to fully experience a
variety of regions in our great nation-as opposed to just flying over them.
Travelling across the country is a major bucket list accomplishment, and I
can't wait to get started!"
Sean Jeans-Gail is Vice President of the National Association of Railroad
Passengers

16 BICYCLE FRIENDLY AMERICA

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Bicycle Friendly America Summer 2017