Thoughts from NABSA Board President
Guest post by Waffiyyah Murray, NABSA Board President
I’ve had the privilege of attending many conferences around the world, but the annual North American Bikeshare and Scootershare Association (NABSA) Conference remains my favorite. Each year, it brings together colleagues from across North America to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate all things shared micromobility. It’s an inspiring space to learn, grow, and engage with people who truly understand the day-to-day challenges and opportunities of our work. This year’s conference in Montréal did not disappoint.
I kicked things off with the Cycling the Green City mobile tour, which offered a firsthand look at Montréal’s impressive bike infrastructure. It was fascinating to see how the city integrates shared micromobility into its bikeway design and urban planning — a true model for sustainable mobility.
It was also a joy to hear Montréal Mayor Valérie Plante open the plenary session with such enthusiasm for transportation and active transportation. Her passion set the tone for a conference centered on collaboration and impact.
The breakout sessions were another highlight. I especially enjoyed Beyond the Discount, which explored how cities are building connections and prioritizing equity in shared micromobility in ways that are both innovative and authentic to the communities we serve.
A special moment for me was hearing Charles T. Brown, whose work has deeply influenced my own, deliver a powerful and timely keynote. His call to action — to embed equity and access in every facet of our work — resonated deeply. As he reminded us, “History doesn’t say goodbye; it says, see you later.” His words were a poignant reminder that while the challenges we face aren’t new, our collective strength and collaboration can move us forward stronger than before.
A heartfelt thank you to the amazing NABSA staff and Board of Directors, the conference planning team, and BIXI-Montréal for organizing another outstanding conference. I’m already looking forward to reconnecting with everyone next year in Cincinnati!