Hello Friend,

Half of all trips taken in the United States could be accomplished with just a 20-minute bike ride, and a quarter are within a 20-minute walk. We need to make it safer and easier to make those trips on bike or foot.  

Rep. Earl Blumenauer just introduced a piece of legislation (H.R. 4722) that would create a $2 billion grant program to fund safe networks for biking and walking.  With the national Bike Summit this in DC this week, more than 700 bike advocates will be asking Congress for support on this legislation.

We have to back them up.  This week we're asking for two things:

1) Send a letter to your representative urging them to co-sponsor the Active Community Transportation Act (H.R. 4722).

2) On Thursday when these advocates are on the Hill, pick up the phone and call your Representatives asking them to cosponsor the Active Community Transportation Act (H.R. 4722).

Don't forget to spread this call of action to your partners and friends.  Also, join our partner call on Thursday, at 3pm ET to get the latest legislative updates.


Best,

Lea Schuster
Field Director
202.955-5543 ext. 229

Report from Washington

Last week the House passed an amended version of the Senate Jobs bill for $15 billion (which did not include new transportation funds).  This jobs bill would extend SAFETEA-LU through the end of December 2010, and help patch the Highway Trust Fund for the next nine months.  In the meantime while we wait for the bill to become law, SAFETEA LU has been extended through March 31st.

Beyond the jobs bill, the EPW Committee has started holding hearings on transportation reauthorization to get ideas for drafting the new transportation bill.  And in a new development Senators Kerry, Lieberman and Graham have brought back a climate and energy bill, this time without cap and trade, but instead with the possibility of a carbon linked-fee.  We are pushing for any revenue to go to clean transportation options, so stay tuned for updates on this.  Read more about the climate bill and possible carbon revenues.

Take Action

• Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 EPA National Award for Smart Growth Achievement, learn more at their website.
• Letters of interest are now being accepted for the 2010 round of the Smart Growth Implementation Assistance Program, check out the website for details.

Partners News

• Creating Livable Communities, a webinar by Reconnecting America, PolicyLink, and NAPTA, register today!
• Is your street complete?; featuring Mayor Don Ness
• Fla. deadliest state for walkers, cyclists featuring Bicycle/Pedestrian Advocates
• Hiawatha pricey, but a sound investment, featuring MontPIRG