ATSSA’s Legislative Briefing & Virtual Fly-In starts Tuesday with an afternoon full of legislative updates from the Government Relations Team and members of Congress.

Tuesday's activities run from 1-5 p.m. EDT. The two-day event also includes virtual meetings with legislators on Wednesday, providing ATSSA members the opportunity to interact directly with their federal legislators and congressional staff and drive their messages to Capitol Hill.

This annual event provides ATSSA members training in advocacy with federal legislators and gives them the opportunity to develop long lasting relationships with members of Congress. They can then take the skills home and continue using them to convey our industry’s priorities to elected officials at all levels of government.

In a year in which, bicycling and walking became increasingly popular as people sought outlets during stay-at-home orders and social distancing because of COVID-19, individual safety is of utmost importance.

Recent national data – especially for bicyclists - isn’t encouraging, however.

Bicycle fatalities increased 22% between 2007 and 2018, while automotive fatalities dropped 11% in the same period, according to the latest National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) statistics.

Today marks the start of “United for Infrastructure: A Week to Champion America’s Infrastructure,” a nationwide effort to draw the attention of policymakers and the public about the significance of infrastructure to the economy and communities. It encompasses a broad range of infrastructure issues including bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Nominations are now open for ATSSA’s 2020 Industry Achievement Award, given annually to acknowledge an Association member who made significant contributions to ATSSA and the roadway safety infrastructure industry.

Nominations are due by Nov. 15 for recognition at the 51^st Annual Convention & Traffic Expo in 2021.

The Industry Achievement Award is the Association’s highest honor and is given to recognize ATSSA members who achieve distinction deemed worthy of special recognition. To be eligible, the person must be a current member or have been a member for at least 10 years. Only ATSSA members may submit a nomination.

ATSSA wrapped up its first Midyear Digital event on Thursday with Rep. Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) and Federal Highway Administration  (FHWA) Administrator Nicole R. Nason sharing insights during the Government Relations Committee Meeting.

Stauber said he’s eager for Congress to address the nation’s infrastructure needs and the federal highway bill known as the FAST Act, which is set to expire Sept. 30.

He serves on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and urged ATSSA members to reach out to committee members and ranking members of Congress to get their priorities heard. The first-term Congressman representing Minnesota’s 8^th District said he’s eager to get legislation passed and isn’t concerned about getting credit for his role.

ATSSA held its first Midyear Digital event from Monday through Thursday. Nearly 400 people took part in the committee and council meetings that tackled roadway safety infrastructure issues.

If you couldn’t join us for Monday morning’s Opening General Session of Midyear Digital, a recording is now available so you can catch what you missed.

The session includes remarks from Minnesota Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer Nancy Daubenberger. Midyear had been planned for Minnesota before COVID-19 shifted the annual Midyear Meeting to a fully virtual platform for the first-ever Midyear Digital.

Opening General Session also featured a town hall style panel moderated by ATSSA Vice President of Government Relations Nate Smith. The three panelists offered their “6:60:6 Predictions” for the roadway safety industry.