Bike Commuter Act (H.R. 1052)

Bike Commuter Act (H.R. 1052)

Summary from Rep. Blumenauer's Website:

Currently, employers may offer a Transportation Fringe Benefit to their employees for commuting to work. Employees who take advantage of this benefit may receive a tax exemption benefit totaling $190/month for drivers participating in qualified parking plans, or $100/month for transit or van pooling. There is also the option of taking cash compensation. The Bike Commuter Act (H.R. 1052), introduced by Congressman Blumenauer and cosponsored by Representative Mark Foley (R-FL), aims to include bicycling in the Transportation Fringe Benefit.

Why is this important?

• Financial incentives are currently offered for other modes of transportation: it is time to level the playing field to include bicyclists.
• With over 50% of the working population commuting 5 miles or less to work, bicycles offer the strongest potential for reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips.
• According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, bicycles are second only to cars as a preferred form of transportation. Excluding this highly preferred mode of transportation does not make sense and is counterintuitive.
• Studies have shown that when offered bike parking and/or access to showers, individuals are 40% more likely to bike to work.

Communities across the nation are seeking to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and make neighborhoods safe. The federal government can assist in those efforts by promoting bicycling use through the existing Transportation Fringe Benefit of the tax code.

To support the Bicycle Commuter Act contact your congressional representative and your two senators through Project Vote Smart

Bicycle Commuter Act Text - Senate Version, House Version

Inquirer Loaded with Gas Stories

Inquirer Gas Stories Run On Empty

No less than 2 stories and a column by Andrew Cassel appeared in Sunday's Inquirer. Two are of the articles are the standard filler; you can't get people out of their cars with the Jaws of Life (addicted to cars and SEPTA's flat ridership numbers).

On the other hand Cassel's column hits the nail on the head, Congress seems to think we are stupid and with proposals of gas tax breaks and rebates to people that don't really need. Taking from the tax base will only increase the deficit and deplete available transportation funds which may lead to states being forced to give transportation funding back to the Federal Government (recission), bike and pedestrian funding often gets unfairly cut in this process.

And of course the ANWR proposal always resurfaces as a so called solution, never mind that exploration would require 10 years of test drilling and construction before this pristine wilderness starts producing oil. National Geographic explores the issue in depth on the environmental destruction that is turning the entire North Slope into the Newark Bay Waterfront.

If congress wants to do something constructive right now then they can start by passing the Bicycle Commuter Act simply paying people to get healthier by bicycling to work is a low cost strategy that will help wean us off our dependance on oil producing despots.

Jane Jacobs, 1916-2006

Jane Jacobs, 1916-2006

You may not have heard of Jane Jacobs, but her 1961 classic book "The Death and Life of Great American Cities"; an intensely personal analysis of what makes cities vital and livable, did for cities what Rachel Carson's 1962's "Silent Spring" did for the environmental movement. She was a champion of good urban and disdained the Robert Moses roadbuilding era. Unlike Carson, Ms. Jacobs lived long enough to see her vision at least partially realized. She died in Toronto on Tuesday at the age of 89.

Read more about Jane Jacobs in Wikipedia

$3 A Gallon Generates Press

$3 A Gallon Generates Press

Funny how an artificial benchmark such as the number 3 appearing on gas station signs can generate buzz. The press has been abuzz with the news that the INCREASE in Consumption has slowed. I am sure we will see the same thing when gas is $4 a gallon which is the current price of petrol in Canada.

Example in today's Camden Courier Post there is an editorial promoting crazy ideas such as bicycling and taking the RiverLINE to stick it to the man. Interesting considering that the CP was a voracious opponent of the RiverLINE.
http://tinyurl.com/ze4p5

Which reminds me that we need volunteers to count bikes in Center City and University City, we have good solid numbers from last year but we are having a tough time finding volunteers for this year. Can you spare an hour and a half during the morning or afternoon rush to count bikes?

To sign up for helping us measure the trend in bicycling go to our home page www.bicyclecoalition.org

Streets Department Pothole Machine Leaves Gravel in its Wake

Streets Department "Pothole Killer" Leaves Gravel in its Wake

The famous pothole killer machine apparently has one major problem. It often leaves a sea of gravel where the cyclists are riding. Eliminating potholes may save repair bills for cars but for cyclists it often means saving medical bills and maybe even lives.

That being said oodles of gravel in the bike lanes is another safety hazard that creates an uncomfortable ride and may also cause a cyclist to lose control, we suggest that the pothole killer be quickly followed by a street sweeper. If you see excess gravel in the bike lane then leave the bike lane and carefully merge with traffic.

To report any road hazard contact the Streets Department at http://potholes.phila.gov/

Filled potholes and the residual gravel blown
into the bike lane by vehicular traffic on
Lexington Ave near Rhawn St.



Follow-up: A Quick Response

This hazard was reported on Saturday April 15. On the next business day (Monday April 17 at Noon) a Streets Department sweeping crew gave the bike lanes and shoulders a thorough cleaning.

THANK YOU!

Hit and Run Crash Injures Club Cyclist

Hit and Run Crash Injures Cyclist

On Friday afternoon a cyclist was hit near the intersection of Middletown Road and Slitting Mill Roadin Glen Mills, Thornbury Township near the Westtown Township and Thornbury Township Line. The victim suffered several bruises as well as a dislocated shoulder and hip. He was wearing his helmet and there is no sign of head injury.

Now, you guessed it, the driver sped off. The 2 witnesses say the car was a dark green colored Ford Taurus. With a possible broken antenna, broken passenger side mirror and cracked windshield.

Anyone with information should contact the Pennsylvania State Police at 484-840-1000.

Governor Bails out Pro Cycling Championship

Governor Bails out Pro Cycling Championship

On Monday Governor Edward G. Rendell announced that the Philadelphia’s International Cycling Championship will continue on June 11th with the help of a $400,000 state investment. Rendell claims in his press release the race pumps $15 million into the local economy. The race will be a part of a triple crown cycling series with races in Lancaster and a hilly yet-to-be-named race in the Lehigh Valley or Berks County region.

82 Year Old Woman Cited for Crossing the Street Slowly

82 Year Old Woman Cited for Crossing the Street Slowly

In another story of carried by many papers as a "man bites dog" curiosity, an 82 year old woman in California was fined $114 by Los Angeles Police on Foothill Blvd in Sunland, CA for crossing the street too slowly. The green phase of the 5 lane arterial is so short that younger people were seen running across the intersection.

The incident brought to mind this video of pedestrian road rage (watch for the airbag).

Fortunately the local paper took the incident more seriously, from the LA Daily News
"Surely, it would be better - and more economical, too - to adjust the light a few seconds instead of sending out cops to bust kids and old folks."

Chicago Mayor Daly Recognized By Vanity Fair for Bike Racks

Chicago Mayor Daly Recognized By Vanity Fair for Bike Racks

The May "Green" issue of Vanity Fair profiles people (albeit mostly celebrities driving low emission vehicles) who have been working for the environmental movement. A two page photo spread focuses on 6 big city mayors including Chicago Mayor Daly, who is noted for the installation of 10,000 bike racks in the city (see the Chicago Envy posting from March).

One frustation within the bicycling community is that major environmental players seem to have a focus on gas mileage standards and alternative energy sources, asking consumers, to spend more on vehicles, not finding ways to reduce driving. Is the SUV owner that bikes to work really doing more damage than the Prius owner driving 1000 miles a week?

While I would hope that our allies in the Hollywood Hills start moving back to the sidewalks and bikeable streets of Beverly Hills, the recognition of a bicycle friendly mayor is a good start.

BCGP Annual Meeting Tonight

BCGP Annual Meeting Tonight

Keynote address:
“Why I moved Fuji Bicycles World Headquarters to Philadelphia”
Pat Cunnane, President of Fuji Bicycles

With special guest Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz.

Sunday, April 9th, 2006
6:30 to 9:00pm
Lloyd Hall (One Boathouse Row at Kelly and Water Works Drives)
Free Buffet Dinner Provided by Whole Foods
Bike Parking Station Provided by Neighborhood Bike Works

The Invisible Riders

REACHING OUT TO *EVERY* CYCLIST

Bicycling Magazine "Gets It" -- Opens Readers' Eyes!

The Bicycle Coalition advocates on behalf of all bicyclists -- whether you ride just for fun, just for transportation, just because that's all you want to do or because that's all you can afford to do. We are trying to build complete streets to serve everyone, but sometimes the mainstream bicycling press seems only to care about bicycling if you ride $1,000+ machines and wear the latest gear.

Bicycling Magazine published an article in the December 2005 issue on those millions of Americans they call "the invisible cyclists," the mostly poor group of people who represent a small portion of bicycle industry profits but in fact represent the largest group of everyday cyclists. The magazine calls on industry to develop sub-$100 commuter bikes, to improve upon the fancy looking but substandard "mountain bikes" available cheaply at big box stores. It also calls on cycle advocates to open their eyes, because, in fact, nobody is an invisible bicyclist.

BCGP encourages you to do your part to reach out to all cyclists. Talk to your fellow cyclists, tell them about BCGP and invite them to join, or give them a gift membership. Our movement is strongest when we see, and include, every cyclist, regardless of race or class.