|
"This is not a
time to build [bike paths]. If we are going to invest in
infrastructure, invest in infrastructure that actually makes
the economy more efficient, such as roads that are
needed."
-Sen.
John Ensign (R-Nev.), Saturday, Feb. 7,
2009
If you
disagree,
please call your
Congressperson today!
Calling
All Bicyclists and Pedestrians! Please Take Action
Today!
Thanks to
calls from bicyclist and pedestrian advocates like you, the
Senate refused to hear an amendment that would have blocked
any Economic Recovery Bill money from being spent on biking
and walking infrastructure projects. Now we need
EVERYONE'S HELP to make certain that there is strong support
for Transportation Enhancements $ for biking and walking in
the final bill!
Support
Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects in the Economic Recovery Bill
The House and
the Senate have each passed their own version of the Economic
Recovery Bill, aimed at creating jobs and stimulating the
economy. Both bills include billions for transportation
infrastructure, but only the House bill includes funding for
bicycle and pedestrian projects in the Transportation
Enhancements program. The House bill includes approximately
$1.35 billion for Transportation Enhancements of which 50-60%
is traditionally spent on bicycle and pedestrian projects. The
Senate bill does not explicitly include Transportation
Enhancements, so it's unclear whether this funding will be in
the final bill.
We
need to make sure Transportation Enhancement funding is in the
final bill.
This week
there will be a conference committee where several members of
the House and several members of the Senate will work together
to reconcile the two bills. Conferees need to hear that
Transportation Enhancements are important to stimulating the
economy, creating green jobs, and moving us towards a
sustainable future.
CALL
TODAY!
Please call
your representative and ask him or her to tell the Conferees
to support Transportation Enhancements in the Economic
Recovery bill. Tell them:
- Bicycle and
pedestrian projects create jobs at the same or better rate
than highway projects.
- These smaller
projects can move quickly to hire local businesses and help
local economies.
- Providing safe
and convenient bicycle and pedestrian access gives families
healthier and cheaper transportation options.
- Improving
sidewalks and bike lanes can make a downtown a destination
further helping the local economy.
- Better biking
and walking options also help ensure greater energy
independence, less pollution, and a healthier United
States!
Please share
this email alert with all bicyclists and pedestrians you can,
and encourage them to join you in supporting biking and
walking today! Thank you - together we will make a big
difference!
Please forward this to cycling friends!
|
|
|
|
| |
