Hi Friends—
Congress is writing a new transportation law, and federal programs that deliver investment and safety provisions for bicycling and walking infrastructure are under attack.
Rails to Trails Conservancy is joining the American Hiking Society, American Trails, the League of American Bicyclists, People for Bikes and the Safe Routes to School Partnership to protect these vital programs and funding
sources—and we need your help.
It is up to us to ensure that Congressional leaders understand how important it is to fortify the Transportation Alternatives (TA) program while continuing and enhancing programs and policies intended to increase multimodal
access and ensure safety for people outside of cars.
Now is the time to show the support of organizations, elected officials and businesses for this essential infrastructure. Please sign on to our letter to Congress so that the critical need to protect and improve these
programs is heard loud and clear.
As you know, TA is fundamental to creating the country’s active transportation infrastructure. Right now, this program—alongside eligibilities for active transportation across a range of federal grant programs and critically
important safety programs—faces serious threats.
Infrastructure that supports people walking, bicycling and being active outside is essential to a safe, affordable and economically productive transportation system. TA has provided significant investment since 1991 to
help build 42,500 miles of multiuse trails and thousands of roadway projects that make it safer to walk, bike and roll in our communities. However, TA is not enough to deliver a safe, connected active-transportation system on its own. Maintaining eligibility
for trails, walking and biking infrastructure across formula and discretionary grant programs is imperative.
Sign
our letter to leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee by Dec. 22.
These threats are serious.
A few weeks ago, House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves made clear his intentions for the next surface transportation bill, vowing it will be a “a traditional highway bill” and that it will
not include funding for “… train stations or bike paths or walking paths.” At the same time, the powerful American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials is calling for TA to be merged with other transportation programs, pitting community
priorities against each other, while demand for active transportation infrastructure continues to dwarf available funds.
Please
join us today in making our voices heard and demanding that Congress protect the future of walking and bicycling in America.
In partnership,
Kevin
Mills
Vice President of Policy
Rails to Trails Conservancy