Well it is beginning to look like cycling is finally getting some long overdue respect from our politicians. We still have a long way to go but they have to start somewhere.
The Bailout Bill in section 211 has a “transportation fringe benefit for bicycle commuters” The Bill allows for “qualified bicycle commuting reimbursement” for “reasonable expenses incurred by the employee during such calendar year for the purchase of a bicycle and bicycle improvements, repair, and storage, if such bicycle is regularly used for travel between the employee’s residence and place of employment”- your bike expenses, up to 20 bucks a month, can be covered by your boss as a benefit tax free. Read more of the wording from the bill at the bottom of this entry.
Next I was reading The Capital and came across a piece that Sen. James C. Rosapepe of Prince George’s County and Del. William A. Bronrott of Montgomery County are proposing that 5% of the state’s school construction budget be set aside for walk to school improvements. In addition they want pedestrian and bike safety to be a top priority when the state is looking to give aid to school districts for transportation. Mr. Rosapepe feels that the transportation funds currently favor bus fleets and driving. No really imagine that.
With those two pieces of news I think what a great month cycling is having with our politicians. As I have said in other posts the bike is a great solution to many of what I believe are some of the major issues facing our country:
Problem – American Dependence on oil.
Solution: Increase the use of bicycles in our transportation needs. This reduces our dependence on oil, you know that 40% of the trips taken by car in this county are two miles or less in distance. What if every American tried to use their bike for just half of their 2 mile or less trips?
Problem – Rise of Diabetes in our society, especially in today’s youth.
Solution – Riding your bike more is a great form of fitness that is low impact and great a great cardio workout. See above if you ride your bike for you two mile or less trips you will accomplish two things, improve your fitness, save money and pollute less.
Problem – The huge increase of childhood obesity.
Solution – Get them more active and outside. For those who can ride their bikes to school even if it is with Mom and Dad. This is a great way to introduce the bicycle as a tool for transportation to kids at a young age. Plus getting them active on the way to school is a great way for them to start there day! I know I always feel better during the day if I start the morning with a work out!
I know it is a simplified approach but you got to start somewhere, every little bit helps. the above solutions are something that most people can get started with.
Bicycle Commuting in the Bailout Bill
“(a) In General- Paragraph (1) of section 132(f) is amended by adding at the end the following:
`(I) regularly uses the bicycle for a substantial portion of the travel between the employee’s residence and place of employment, and
