This is a crucial year for working with federal policy makers. Our nation has a new President, a new Congress, and a new commitment to improving our transportation and energy infrastructure. Bikes Belong is working closely with key members of Congress, our D.C.-based lobbying firm, and our partner organizations to promote bicycle-friendly legislation.
Currently we’re focusing on the following bills:
2009 Federal Transportation Bill – The federal transportation law, which is renewed every five or six years, is the primary source of funding for U.S. bicycle facilities and programs. Since the next authorization is scheduled for this year, we’re working to maximize funding for bicycling in this bill.
Economic Stimulus Package – President Obama has called the transportation portion of this multi-billion dollar bill “the largest new investment in our national infrastructure since the creation of the federal highway system.” America Bikes submitted a nationwide list of $3.7 billion in “shovel-ready” bike projects to demonstrate that worthy bike projects are ready to go. Bikes Belong is working closely with members of Congress to ensure that bike funding is included in the bill.
Climate Change Bill – One of the new Congress’s top priorities is a Climate Change Bill that would require companies that produce excessive pollution to pay the federal government. In turn, the government would invest this money in pollution-reducing projects, such as bicycle facilities. As this legislation takes shape, Bikes Belong will work to direct a portion of any pollution payments to projects that benefit bicycling—an emission-free transportation solution.