Advancing Advocacy: Using Events to Advance Shared Micromobility Policy
Federal advocacy doesn’t only happen in Washington or Ottawa. Some of the most effective moments in a congressional or parliamentary relationship happen right in your community.
When you invite a Member of Congress, a Member of Parliament, or their staff to tour your system, you’re showing them the direct impact that policy supporting shared micromobility has on their community. You’re also creating a reason to be in touch that isn’t a direct ask, which is exactly the kind of touchpoint that builds lasting relationships.
Where to start?
Anchor to a moment: Tie your event to something that gives people a reason to show up. Bike Month, coming up in May, is a great hook, but it could also be something that happens year round, like a new station launch, a ridership milestone, or a federal legislative window.
Give yourself enough lead time: Aim for at least four to six weeks of time for scheduling. Federal offices are busy, and getting on a Member’s or staffer’s calendar often takes longer than you’d expect. Reach out with a specific invitation, but be flexible on dates and times.
Think through the details: Make sure your venue and route are accessible and visually compelling if you’re hoping for press coverage. Have a clear run of show so that all your remarks and activities all fit within the time you have.
Use NABSA resources: NABSA members can utilize our Congressional Member Look-Up tool, which gives you information on all the Members of Congress representing the municipalities with shared micromobility systems. You can also look at NASBA’s federal priorities.
What should the event include?
You don’t need a large budget or a formal program. A guided bike tour or a tour of your facility, with a short briefing at the end can be highly effective. The goal is to make the policy ask feel grounded and natural.
A local rider story: having a rider prepared to speak briefly about how your system has changed their commute is extraordinarily persuasive to both Members of Congress and MPs.
A clear federal connection: draw an explicit line from what attendees are seeing to the specific policy change you’re seeking. In the US, that might reference CMAQ funding and reauthorization; in Canada, eligibility under the Active Transportation Fund.
A media opportunity: give press something visual to work with. Events with movement and real locations are far more likely to get covered than a press conference. If you do include a press conference, make sure you have a good background.
A clear ask: before the event ends, make sure the office knows the specific action you’d like them to take, whether that’s supporting a funding ask or scheduling a follow-up meeting.
An in-district or in-riding event, done right, is the start (or the continuation) of an ongoing relationship. For more guidance on federal advocacy, including sample outreach emails, message framing, and meeting prep tips, check out NABSA’s Federal Advocacy Toolkit.