PennDOT Announces New Bike/Ped Funding Opportunity

In 2013, Harrisburg passed a big transportation bill (Act 89). One of its primary benefits is the $80 million Multimodal Fund. This fun is a new opportunity for municipalities to seek funding for bike/ped projects such as striping new bike lanes, trails, bicycle parking at transit stops, sidewalk connections, and more.

On April 7th, a PennDOT press release announced that the fund was open for applications.

"PennDOT can make available $20 million in Fiscal Year 2014-15 to distribute to successful applicants. Eligible projects can cost between $100,000 and $3 million and they require a 30 percent match from local sources. PennDOT will evaluate the applications and make selections based on such criteria as safety benefits, regional economic conditions, the technical and financial feasibility, job creation, energy efficiency, and operational sustainability. Besides the $20 million in unrestricted funds to be distributed, PennDOT may award grants from the dedicated budget categories in the Multimodal fund for aviation, rail freight, ports and bicycle-pedestrian projects. The application period started today and closes on June 30."

So if you are a municipality, Council of Government, business or non-profit, now's the time to apply for this money! Act 89 dedicates $2 million of the Multimodal fund for bicycle-pedestrian projects. 

Eligible projects include: "A project which coordinates local land use with transportation assets to enhance existing communities, including but not limited to: sidewalk/crosswalk safety improvements, bicycle lanes/route designation, greenways.... and [a] project related to streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement and pedestrian safety, including but not limited to: sidewalk connections, crosswalks, pedestrian and traffic signals, pedestrian signs, and lighting etc..and [a] project improving connectivity or utilization of existing transportation assets, including but not limited to: bicycle/shared markings, bicycle parking at transit stops..."

Important details: the local 30% match must be cash (not in-kind) and applications must include a municipal resolutiton requesting the grant.  PennDOT's fund is separate from the Multimodal Transportation Fund being administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

PennDOT's Multimodal Fund guidance and application can be downloaded here.

Pennsylvania Transportation Bill Signed Into Law Today

Seated at table, left to right: Sen. John Rafferty, Governor Tom Corbett, Sen. John Wozniak, and PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch. Behind 3rd and 1st from right: our own Alex Doty, and Philadelphia Deputy Mayor Rina Culter.

In blustery cold Norristown this early afternoon, Gov. Corbett signed Pennsylvania's new transportation bill (this was the second of three signings today). It was a long, arduous, exasperating process to get to this point, but now we are here. Bicycling and walking projects have dedicated funding, are acknowledged as important parts of our state's transportation network, and projects that make our streets safer for bicyclists and pedestrians have a better shot at funding. Say it with us: this is good news!

Thank you to everyone who spoke up for the importance of getting a comprehensive transportation bill passed. You can see more photos from the bill signing on our Facebook page.

A Dramatic Win for the Future of Biking and Walking in the Keystone State

As almost everyone now knows, there was high political drama this past week. The transportation funding bill that had been in the works for the past ten months failed twice on Monday, and then passed on the third try (104-95; click for roll call) on in the House Tuesday. It was a huge relief to see it get through the Senate on Wednesday (43-27), and again in the House for a concurrence vote on Thursday (113-85).  It is expected to be signed by the Governor next week.

Normally we don't traffic in Philly's most overexposed fictional native son,
but this time it feels appropriate.

Tremendous credit for this success goes to PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch, who worked diligently for several years to make the case for the nearly $2.4 billion package, and fought hard to keep the issue front and center even after the House was unable to agree on a bill to vote on in June and rejected a bill twice on Monday night.

What will this bill do for biking and walking? A lot. As the Secretary told advocates Monday night, "This is the biggest step forward for the bicycle and pedestrian modes of transportation in the history of Pennsylvania." The bill:

• Creates a multi-modal fund that grows from $30 to $144 million over a 5-year period, to which bicycle and pedestrian projects can apply for funding;
• Sets an annual minimum of $2 million of that fund to be spent on bicycle and pedestrian facilities;
• Makes it easier to use state transportation money for pedestrian safety projects, streetscaping & lighting;
• Explicitly states that Pennsylvania's comprehensive transportation system includes Pennsylvania's "numerous bicycle and pedestrian facilities," which will make it easier for bicycle/pedestrian projects to compete for highway funds.

A fiscal analysis of how the entire funding package will increase over the next five years is here.

The biking and walking community put its oar in the water to help secure this legislative success. With your help, we fought hard for biking and walking to be included in the bill and to receive a minimum-floor amount of the multi-modal fund. This success is a result of years of coalition work with the Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition and the health groups that collaborated on Walk Ride PA. 

Thank you to everyone who responded to our six "calls to action" over the past several months and to our partner Pennsylvania and national organizations for using their own networks to get the message out. In total, 3,371 actions were taken through our action center on this issue. Harrisburg heard loud and clear that Pennsylvanians want safer roads for biking and walking and are willing to use their voice to call for state investments in enhancing transportation choices.

If you want to celebrate the bill's signing, there will be three bill signing events, one real and two symbolic, happening on Monday:

• Live bill signing: State College, PA. Happening 9:30 AM at the VFW Post 9575 located along route 322, just west of the 322/144 intersection.
• Montgomery County. 12:30 PM, NEW LOCATION: St. Teresa of Avila, 1260 S. Trooper Road, Norristown, PA 19403
• Pittsburgh. Happening 4 PM by the Liberty Bridge.

PA Voting on Transportation Today - Speak Up For Biking, Walking, and Transit!

After more than a year of negotiation, stalling, and jockeying, the House Assembly is going to vote this week on a transportation bill, paving the way for the Senate to follow up and the Governor to sign a bill. The final product of this week's votes will determine if bicycling, walking, and public transit are part of Pennsylvania's future, or tossed out the back door like mopwater.

A metaphorical representation of PA transportation
without a proper funding bill.

The PA House is expected to consider, as soon as this afternoon, an amendment to HB 106 sponsored by Representative Micozzie (R-163). This amendment will create a $2.3 billion transportation funding bill that repairs our bridges, provides for public transit statewide, and for the first time ever recognizes and funds bicycling and walking.

It will be all too easy to strip bicycling and walking out of the bill as "frivolous expenditures nobody wants." House Assembly members need to hear from you that safe walking and biking are important. Tell your Representative to vote YES on Rep. Micozzie's amendment.

In the 21st century, transportation does not begin and end with highways. We need a comprehensive transportation bill that makes bicycling and walking in Pennsylvania safer and more accessible. Funding does that, and this is our best chance to get bicycling and walking respected and acknowledged in our state's transportation funding. The House may vote on Rep. Micozzie's amendment to HB106 as soon as this afternoon; e-mail or call your House Representative today and tell them to vote for the amendment!

Thank you for speaking up for biking and walking!

p.s If you want to call your legislator - use this handy site to find his/her contact information

Harrisburg Update: Vote is Delayed but Some Consensus is Emerging

Regular readers of our blog know that we've been heavily involved in the Harrisburg debate around a transportation bill. Several times we've thought the state legislature was close to a vote, only to have the vote pushed back.

The latest news that emerged yesterday is both good and bad: the four legislative caucuses are actively negotiating (which is progress), but this means that no vote will happen before mid-November (another delay).

Your grandparents remind you to wipe your feet on the mat
and call your state representatives

Another delay is worrisome. However, while a very contentious issue (prevailing wage) is preventing a vote this week, at least the major players are at the table negotiating. Setting aside prevailing wage, we are encouraged that a consensus is emerging around the minimum level of funding required for an acceptable bill, and we think that that funding will include a dedicated fund for biking and walking. We are also optimistic that SEPTA will get an amount of money it can live with.

Thank you to the hundreds of people who have already contacted their PA State Reps about the importance to Pennsylvania's future of a well-funded, multi-modal (ie, all types of transportation, not just highways) transportation system. Like grandparents' advice, such sentiments can always be repeated. So we encourage you to contact your PA elected officials and remind them that a comprehensive transportation funding package is important for the entire commonwealth, and that transportation means trains, bikes, and sidewalks too.

Urgent! Tell Your PA House Rep to Support Transportation Funding

Pick your cliche: it's now or never; it's do-or-die time; time to cowboy up, give 110% percent, leave it all on the field and dance with the horse that brought you.

Early next week, the Pennsylvania House is going to vote on a transportation bill. This is Pennsylvania's best shot to adequately fund transportation, including bicycling and walking projects, for the foreseeable future. We must act now.

As you may recall, last spring the Senate passed SB 1, provided $2.5B in funding. That bill is the best bill we could expect out of this transportation debate, and we need the House to pass an identical bill at that same $2.5 billion funding level.

House members need to hear from you that this bill is critical to making Pennsylvania's roads safer and its economic well being. Tell them that their vote on this issue is critically important to you as their constituent. No matter their party, every House member should vote for this bill if they have Pennsylvania's best interests at heart.

Please:

1. Send this e-mail action letter to your House representative.
2. Call your House Representative's office and deliver the same message: you are counting on them to vote YES on comprehensive transportation funding.

In order to fulfill the promise of Senate Bill 1 and build, not bastardize, Pennsylvania's future, the House bill must provide $2.5 billion in annual transportation funding, which includes:

• $495 million designated for public transit (read: SEPTA);
• A robust multi-modal fund of $80-$150 million annually, to which bicycle and pedestrian projects can apply for funding; and
• At least $2 million minimum in the multi-modal fund for bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

This is a critically important moment in Pennsylvania for all forms of transportation. We need everyone to speak up for its importance. As Rina Cutler, Philadelphia's Deputy Mayor said this morning at a DVRPC board meeting: "We have one shot at this and no second chance." 

PA State Transportation Commission Wants to Hear From You

Tell the State of Pennsylvania where you want to ride or walk

As odd as it may sound in this time of fiscal uncertainty (what with Harrisburg deliberating whether or not to fund transportation at all), the State's Transportation Commission is seeking public comment as it develops its "Twelve Year Transportation Program."

The Commission has prepared a draft performance report, and the public comment period is open until October 7th.

This is a great opportunity to tell the Transportation Commission where you want improvements in biking and walking on any state road in Pennsylvania.

There are several ways to provide your input to the Transportation Commission:

First, you can take a one hour webinar on September 26th from 6-7pm.  Register to take the webinar here.

Second, you can take this public survey. You'll have an opportunity to indicate specifically where you want bicycle "paths" and trails.

Third, download this Project Feedback Form and fill it out with the name of a road or bridge where you want a bicycle or pedestrian "facility" (i.e. a bike lane, a crosswalk, a mid-block crossing) and e-mail it to Julie Harmantzis at RA-PennDOTSTC@pa.gov. Fill out a form for every project that you want to suggest.

Federal Transportation Funding Update: House Punts, Senate May Start Voting Tomorrow

We received an update from the League of American Bicyclists this afternoon that things are in flux in Washington D.C. with respect to the Transportation Appropriations bills that are moving through the House and Senate.

The House pulled their bill and will take it up again in September. The Senate may take up voting on amendments tomorrow. We will keep you updated if any amendments to pull funding out of Transportation Alternatives (aka biking and walking projects) get offered. In the meantime, if you haven't e-mailed your Senators to ask them to support bicycling and walking, please do so now.

Harrisburg Fails On Transportation - And Where We Go Next

Political gridlock brings out
the color in Oliver's cheeks

It was quite the dramatic weekend in Harrisburg as legislative leaders wrangled about the state budget, transportation funding, liquor privatization, and public education. In the end, the state budget passed on time, but transportation funding was pushed back until the fall.

A Recap
So, what happened this weekend? We rallied to support the Senate transportation funding bill (Senate Bill 1) with other organizations like PA Walks and Bikes, Mission Readiness, the American Heart Association, and the 200+ organizations that comprise the Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition.

The Senate's bill included a robust multi-modal fund that adequately funded all modes of transportation. The House version was $300-$500 million below the Senate-passed version and threatened this multi-modal approach to transportation funding - including significantly less funds for bicycles, pedestrians, and public transportation.

In the end, the House could not generate the number of bi-partisan votes necessary to pass its own version of Senate Bill 1. Clearly, the transportation bill feel victim to the rural versus urban divide that defines Pennsylvania politics.

Silver Linings

Although we didn't get the bill we wanted, we accomplished a tremendous amount in this effort. Look how far we came:

Harrisburg Needs To Hear That You Value Bicycling And Walking

Oliver, captured moments after learning
the proposed House amendments would eliminate
funding for bicycling and walking projects

We predicted there would be opposition in Harrisburg to dedicating funding for bicycling and walking, and now we learn we were right.

The Pennsylvania Senate recently passed Senate Bill 1, a comprehensive, 21st century transportation funding solution for Pennsylvania. Given the choice, everyone would prefer Pennsylvania to exist in the 21st century, right?

Now Pennsylvania's House Transportation Committee is contemplating amendments to that bill. The proposed amendments strip out what the Senate had recommended for biking and walking.

The amendments completely eliminate dedicated funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects that make our communities safer.

These proposed amendments would also reduce the funds available for multi-modal projects and deal a huge blow to mass transit, leading to massive service cuts around the state.

These amendments would be very, very bad for Pennsylvania.

As a state we need to improve and diversify our transportation. We need to be able to get where we need to go safely. Bicycling and walking are active modes of transportation. 12% of all trips in Pennsylvania (not just Philly, but the whole state) occur on foot or on bike. But these House amendments want no dedicated funding for bicycling or pedestrian projects. 

If you care about Pennsylvania making us safer by funding bicycling and walking, please contact the House leadership and the Governor today!

• Tell them that you do not support the proposed House amendments to Senate Bill 1.
• Tell them that you support a final transportation funding package that invests adequate resources in a multi-modal transportation system that includes dedicated funding for all modes of transportation.
• Ask them to support a $2.5 billion transportation funding plan that would include a first-ever state investment in making our roads and communities safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Tell them why this is important.

Making roads and communities more conducive to active transportation options, like bicycling and walking, will reduce roadway crashes, reduce carbon emissions, help children and families build physical activity into their daily routines, and open Pennsylvania up to a larger share of the bicycle tourism industry - a $50 billion per year industry.

It's the 21st century, and we need a 21st century transportation funding bill.

Ask Your PA Representative To Vote For Bicycle And Pedestrian Funding

Last week, the PA Senate passed a comprehensive transportation funding bill (Senate Bill 1) that includes the FIRST-EVER dedicated funding for bicycles and pedestrians.

This money will fund projects that will make Pennsylvania roads and communities safer and more accessible for biking and walking.

Now the PA House must pass this $2.5 billion plan. We expect opposition to the bicycle and pedestrian funding portion of the bill, so we need to speak up for it! You can help in two ways:

1. Call your State Representative and tell them to "adequately fund transportation and include dedicated funding for bicycling and walking - as is found in Senate Bill 1." Feel free to elaborate on why biking and walking is important to you.
2. Send this e-mail action alert saying the same message.

This is a big opportunity to set a precedent of dedicated bicycle and pedestrian funding in Pennsylvania. We can make it happen if we speak up for it! Please take five minutes and take action today.

Update On PA State Funding For Bicycling And How You Can Help It Happen

The full Pennsylvania Senate is likely to vote today on its state transportation bill. The bill is expected to pass, and then head to the PA House of Representatives. There is much to like in this bill for bicyclists, but it faces a tough road in the House. So we are asking for engaged citizens to join us in Harrisburg next Tuesday for a rally to support this bill.

The Pennsylvania Senate's SB1 includes:

• A multi-modal fund of $80-$150 million annually, to which bicycle and pedestrian projects can apply for funding;
• An annual minimum of $2 million of that fund which will be spent on bicycle and pedestrian facilities;
• The broadening of this funding to include pedestrian safety projects, streetscape & lighting;
• A finding that describes Pennsylvania's comprehensive transportation system to include PA's "numerous bicycle and pedestrian facilities," which will make it easier for bicycle/pedestrian projects to compete for highway funds.

Senate Bill 1 now heads to the PA House of Representatives - where it will face an uphill climb. We need cyclists to support these efforts by encouraging their legislators to support funding bicycle and pedestrian investments!

You can show support in two ways:

1. Join us in Harrisburg on Tuesday, June 11th at 10:00 AM. We will be rallying on the steps of the Capitol building to thank the PA Senate for passing a transportation bill that includes bike and ped funding, and for continuing to advocate for making our roads and communities safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.
2. Tell your legislator that you (and therefore, he or she) support dedicated funding for walking and biking pathways in the state. Click here to send an email to your state reps.

Take another step and get involved in the Walk And Ride PA campaign on Facebook www.facebook.com/walkandridepa and Twitter: www.twitter.com/walkandridepa.

PA State Senator Unveils $2.5 Billion State Transportation Bill

Earlier today, Senator John Rafferty (R-Chester/Mont/Berks Counties), unveiled his proposal for raising $2.5 billion annually to fund the state's highways, bridges, airports, mass transit, ports, rail freight, and walking and biking routes. His proposal would boost funding for highways/bridges and mass transit by 50% over what Governor Corbett proposed in February.

When the plan is fully phased in its fifth year, this is how the $2.5 billion raised from tax and vehicle fee increases would be divided:

• Approximately $1.9 billion for state and local highways and bridges.
• Approximately $510 million for Pennsylvania's 36 urban and rural transit agencies.
• Approximately $115 million for railways, airports, ports and bicycle and pedestrian programs (emphasis added).

Our executive director Alex Doty, who also serves on the board of PA Walks and Bikes, attended the press conference and praised the comprehensive bill for including biking and walking. He commented, "We are extremely pleased that biking and walking is included in this comprehensive transportation bill. This is a great chance to make Pennsylvania's streets safer for the increasing number of Pennsylvanians who are walking and biking to work, school and for exercise."

Today's event was covered by AP, CBS, Philly.com, TribLive, and Morning Call.

PA State Transportation Funding is at Stake

You've seen the closed bridges, faded bike lanes and crosswalks, the potholes, the overcrowded roads during rush hour. It's no secret that Pennsylvania's transportation system is in dire shape. Governor Corbett has proposed raising new revenue to make much-needed investments to repair our roads, bridges and transit systems. But some legislators in Harrisburg do not see the wisdom of investing in infrastructure and they need to hear from you!

Harrisburg needs to fund transportation!

TAKE ACTION TO SUPPORT TRANSPORTATION FUNDING IN PENNSYLVANIA

In 2010, the state's transportation funding gap was calculated at $3.5 billion. And because putting off repairs only makes them more expensive, the cost of fixing our transportation system is growing by $1 million for each day we do not pass a transportation funding bill.

When transportation is under-funded, not only do bicyclists and pedestrians suffer from the poor quality of our roads and bridges but fewer dedicated facilities are built or striped.

Governor Corbett proposes to raise $1.8 billion over five years by uncapping the Oil Company Franchise Tax. The Governor's proposal also includes a multi-modal fund that will be a dedicated funding source for non-highway modes, including biking and walking.

As part of the Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition, we asked Governor Corbett to make proposals to better fund transportation needs. Now that he has, your elected officials need to hear from you that you support a comprehensive transportation bill. Please take action today by writing a quick email to your state reps and then placing a call to their offices.

Better streets mean safer, better transportation
for all. Photo credit: Complete Streets

A comprehensive new transportation bill offers an opportunity for Pennsylvania to support communities that want to make bicycling and walking safer. PA Walks and Bikes and others who support biking and walking are asking for three commitments from the state:

1. Create a Bicycle Pedestrian Office within PennDOT.

2. Ensure that the new Multi-Modal fund allocates sufficient funds to bicycle and walking projects.

3. Eliminate the Bicycle Occupancy Permit (which prevents smaller communities from building bicycle infrastructure).

You can read more about our suggestions for improving biking and walking in Pennsylvania in this handout.

Preparing for Pennsylvania's New Transportation Bill

Pennsylvania is waking up to the reality that keeping our record number of structurally deficient bridges from falling down is critical to our economy. Yet transportation funding is few people's idea of a scintillating topic of conversation. This is where our job comes in - wading into the nitty gritty and telling you what's happening and how it will affect you.

Next week, Governor Corbett is likely to announce his plan for raising and distributing state funding for transportation. We have joined a coalition of transportation-related businesses, agencies, and advocates (The Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition) working ahead of Corbett's announcement. In addition to keeping bridges and roads in good repair, we've outlined biking and walking priorities in meetings with PA state senators and representatives and will continue to do so after Governor Corbett's plans are revealed.

An Overview of DVRPC's New 3-Year Transportation Improvement Plan for Pennsylvania

Just four days before Congress quickly assembled and passed the watered down version of the MAP-21 Transportation Bill, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission adopted the 2013 -2016 Transportation Improvement Program for Pennsylvania.

The TIP in its current form reflects the state funding reductions (from the I-80 tolling fallout) and PennDOT's focus on deficient bridges. This has deferred many projects across the spectrum. For example, the expenditure of construction funds for the Schuylkill River Trail to Pottstown and the Montgomery County portion of the Schuylkill River Trail have been pushed back to fiscal year 2016. It's possible that money from other sources could speed up either timeline, but the odds of connecting Philadelphia to Exton and Pottstown by 2014 is now a longshot.

New Transportation Bill Will Ban Bicycles On Some National Park Roads

Last week we gave a quick overview of the new Transportation Bill. To add insult to injury, a little-known line item will ban the use of bicycles on roads that are adjacent to paved paths on Federal Lands. See below:

(d) BICYCLE SAFETY.—The Secretary of the appropriate Federal land management agency shall prohibit the use of bicycles on each federally owned road that has a speed limit of 30 miles per hour or greater and an adjacent paved path for use by bicycles within 100 yards of the road unless the Secretary determines that the bicycle level of service on that roadway is rated B or higher.

How this provision got into the bill is a poorly kept secret. Rock Creek Parkway in Washington DC is one of those "park roads" that has evolved into a commuter highway (sound familiar?). Some Congressional staff members wanted to fix the "problem" of bikes in the roadway by forcing cyclists onto a narrow and poorly-maintained adjacent path. The America Bikes Coalition took several steps to try to rescind this provision but in the end the people writing the law simply got their way.

Congress knows best - Bikes will soon be relegated to the bridge
sidewalk on the right on Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park

Congress Takes A Sledge Hammer To Safe Streets

If you follow active transportation blogs, you probably have already heard the news. Congress has come up with a "compromise" transportation bill that the House passed earlier today and is being put up for a vote before the Senate this afternoon. Despite four years of advocacy and an outpouring from the public asking for a progressive re-authorization of the transporation bill, far less emerged from the Conference Committee headed by Senator Barbara Boxer and Representative John Mica. As Transportation For America puts it:

"The bill ultimately looks and feels like what it is: A stopgap that is the last gasp of a spent 20th century program. It doesn’t begin to address the needs of a changing America in the 21st century... The bill dedicates zero dollars to repairing our roads and bridges, cuts the amount of money that cities and local governments would have received, makes a drastic cut in the money available to prevent the deaths of people walking or biking, and ensures that you have less input and control over major projects that affect you and the quality of your community."

The part that we cared most about, funding for biking and walking, took a considerable hit. Congress will consolidate Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes To School, and Recreational Trails programs into a new category called Transportation Alternatives (sorry TA). For a good briefing on the damage done by Congress, read this post on the SaltCycle (Salt Lake City's Cycling Advocacy blog.)

Let's Convince Congressmen Meehan and LoBiondo to be Bike/Ped Heroes

The House Transportation Bill Straps Dynamite To Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs

The House Transportation Bill was made public today and it's worse than predicted. Here is how the bill takes the heart out of federal biking and walking policies:

• Destroys Transportation Enhancements by making the program optional
• Repeals the Safe Routes to School program, reversing years of progress in creating safe ways for kids to walk and ride bicycles to school
• Allows states to build bridges without safe access for pedestrians and bicycles
• Eliminates bicycle and pedestrian coordinators in state DOTs
• Eliminates language that insures that rumble strips “do not adversely affect the safety or mobility of bicyclists, pedestrians or the disabled”

The operating philosophy of this House transportation bill

Great Balls of Fire! Welcome to the 1950's.

Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI) is going to introduce an amendment in Committee on Thursday, February 2nd that will restore the Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School programs. We really want the Petri amendment to pass. If it does, it sends a strong signal to the House (and Senate) Leadership that biking and walking should not be decimated.

You can see a list of TE and SRTS projects in LoBiondo and Meehan's districts here

Here's how you can help.
Congressman Pat Meehan (PA-7) and Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02) sit on the Committee and will vote on the bill on Thursday. They are key Congressmen for this vote. They need to hear from their constituents who want to preserve biking and walking funding that they should vote YES on the Petri Amendment.

If you live in either PA-7 or NJ-2, please call your Congressmen and let them know that you want them to vote YES on the PETRI amendment.

• Frank LoBiondo (NJ-2) 609-625-5008
• Pat Meehan (PA-7) 610-690-7323

National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission - One Trillion Dollars For More Asphalt

Andy Clarke at the League of American Bicyclists summed up this much anticipated and flawed report on the League of American Bicyclists Blog. The conclusion? $225 billion should be spent EVERY Year for the next 50 years on transportation and infrastructure in this country. Talk about wasteful spending, not to mention low vision. As Clarke reports the word bicycle is only mentioned once.

We have seen this before, independent commissions working feverishly on addressing the transportation problem. The final product is always the same, make the pie higher. The inexpensive, quiet and healthy modes are ignored. Is this really benign neglect?

The report is online at http://www.transportationfortomorrow.org