Introduction

As transportation strategies, bicycling and walking offer enormous
potential for creating healthier, safer and more livable communities.
Bicycle and pedestrian facilities add safety and durability to roadways
while relieving congestion. In fact, our nation's roadway system was
initiated by bicyclists at the turn of the last century, yet bicycle and
pedestrian transportation receive but a fraction of the funding they need
to become viable choices for all Americans. The reauthorization of federal
transportation legislation is an opportunity to bring bicycling and walking
back into the mainstream of America's transportation system.

1) REQUIRED BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ACCOMMODATION:

All federally funded transportation projects, including new construction,
reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads and trails, as well as public
transit projects, must provide safe and efficient accommodations for
bicyclists and pedestrians. Where bicycle and pedestrian travel is not
permitted, safe and efficient alternative facilities must be provided.

2) INCREASE AND IMPROVE FUNDING FOR BICYCLING AND WALKING THROUGH TE, CMAQ,
402 and HEP PROGRAMS:

The Transportation Enhancements (TE), Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
(CMAQ), 402 Safety Funds and the Hazard Elimination Program (HEP) programs
have funded bicycle and pedestrian projects across the nation. Bicycle and
pedestrian-specific funding through these programs must increase as these
modes become integral facets of our transportation system. There should be
no more category splits of the TE program and bike/ped projects will be
given greater preference under all of these programs.

3) SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL:

Authorize one-third of Hazard Elimination Program (HEP) funding (as does
the successful California program) to aid local agencies and non-profit
organizations in establishing Safe Routes to School programs that include
bicycle and pedestrian facilities as well as education and promotion.
Retain eligibility of Safe Routes projects under other programs.

The future of our country depends on healthy children. By empowering local
agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide safe routes to school
construction, education and encouragement programs, our children and
parents can make healthy, non-polluting and enjoyable transportation
choices.