WRWC Donny Green Advocates for Bicycle Infrastructure at 2025 National Bike Summit

The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) proudly recognizes Bicycle Education Director Donny Green for his leadership and advocacy at the 2025 National Bike Summit, held March 11-13 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C.

Green was honored to represent WRWC’s Rhode to Bicycle Safety (R2BS) program on a distinguished panel alongside Cascade Bicycle Club and All Kids Bike—two of the nation’s leading organizations in in-school bicycle education. Moderated by Jamil Modaffari, the panel focused on strategies for integrating bike education into school curricula, sharing insights on how to equip students with the skills and confidence to ride safely.

“Being part of this discussion with Cascade Bicycle Club and All Kids Bike—two of the most influential programs in the in-school bike education world—was an incredible opportunity,” said Green. “I hope that summits like these foster even more collaboration between programs and advocacy groups, strengthening and expanding in-school bike education nationwide. Thank you to the League of American Bicyclists for facilitating such a great event, and I’ll see you next year in DC!”

Founded in 2019, The Rhode to Bicycle Safety (R2BS) is a program of the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. R2BS empowers fifth grade students across Rhode Island with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to safely ride their bikes for transportation, exercise, and fun.

This year’s National Bike Summit brought together advocates, educators, and policymakers from across the country to discuss critical issues in bicycle infrastructure, safety, and accessibility. Representing WRWC and Rhode Island, Green joined a group of ten passionate cycling advocates, making Rhode Island one of the most well-represented states at the Summit, —second only to California.

The Rhode Island delegation included members of Bike Newport, Betty Bourret from RIBike, and Shelby Adams and Susan Mocarski from Cleverhood, a Providence-based apparel company. Together, they attended numerous workshops and discussions covering topics such as bike-friendly infrastructure, education, and national policies that impact active transportation. Keynote speakers included Wes Marshall, author of Killed by a Traffic Engineer, and Jennifer Homendy, Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board.

A major highlight of the Summit was Lobby Day, when Green and the Rhode Island delegation met with all four members of the state’s federal delegation: Senator Jack Reed, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse,,  Representative Seth Magaziner, and Representative Gabe Amo. During these meetings, the team advocated for continued federal investment in the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and support for the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Safety Bill, which would enhance funding accessibility for local bike safety initiatives. Additionally, they discussed the importance of aligning federal funding with equity and carbon reduction goals, amidst recent policy changes that put discretionary bike-related grants at risk.

“As a bicycle educator, it’s crucial to bring the voices of our community to the national stage,” Green added. “Investing in bike infrastructure and education not only improves safety but also strengthens communities by promoting sustainable transportation options.”

WRWC is grateful for Green’s advocacy and the dedication of the entire Rhode Island delegation. Their collective efforts reinforce WRWC’s mission to connect communities through active transportation and environmental stewardship.

For more information about WRWC’s Bicycle Education programs and advocacy efforts, visit www.wrwc.org.