Please call and/or write your US Senators and ask…
"Would you please support a clean extension to current transportation funding and please support continued dedicated funding for bicycling and walking programs in the next transportation authorization.”
The current transportation bill expires on 9/30/11, but this may get combined with the FAA authorization which expires Sept 16. 

 

Read More on the League of American Bicyclist's Blog Post:

Sept 8th post -

http://www.bikeleague.org/blog/2011/09/get-ready-to-take-action-a-major-attack-on-bicycle-funding/

 Sept 12th update -

http://www.bikeleague.org/blog/2011/09/fight-back-against-bike-funding-attack-action-alert/

 

Here's Consider Biking's letter to the Editor which frames the issue in pretty simple language.

More information is in our recent ACTION ALERT – September 13

Here is the messaging again:

So we need to take this threat seriously and contact our Senators today. The ask is pretty simple – “please support a clean extension to current transportation funding and please support continued dedicated funding for bicycling and walking programs in the next transportation authorization.”

 

Use this easy link to write your letters:

I bike, I vote - It's time to save cycling!

http://capwiz.com/lab/issues/alert/?alertid=53440771&PROCESS=Take+Action

 

 

SAMPLE TEXT:

 

I urge you to oppose any move to eliminate the Transportation Enhancements (TE) program and to support a clean extension of the SAFETEA-LU programs, in the event that Congress fails to pass a new transportation bill before the end of September. 

 

The TE program, along with other vital programs that support non-motorized transportation choices such as the Recreational Trails and Safe Routes to Schools programs, has dramatically expanded transportation options and improved traffic safety in communities across the country. This would simply not have happened without these programs and I ask that you support the continuation of dedicated Federal funding for bicycling and walking programs in any extension of SAFETEA-LU and the next authorization of Federal transportation programs.

 

Bicycling projects create jobs, in fact, according to the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), bicycle projects alone create 11.8 jobs per million  vs. the 7.4 jobs per million created by  road only projects.  These bicycle projects also generate economic activity for a very low up-front cost, offering tremendous returns on investment. In this economic climate, Congress should be looking for just this kind of program to support – and should certainly not be thinking about eliminating them.  Bicycling also has the added benefit of providing an effective means to address our national energy, environmental, and public health challenges and should be seriously considered in our national transportation policy.

 

Thank you for supporting continued dedicated funding for bicycling and walking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letter from Rails to Trails:

 

Senator Coburn’s amendment, if successful, could set our nation’s trail, walking and bicycling movement back decades.     —Keith Laughlin, President, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Dear Rider,  I cannot stress enough how important it is that we prevent one of the most disturbing attacks on trails, walking and bicycling that we have ever experienced. Please join me in speaking up against this attack right now. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on a six-month "clean" extension of the federal transportation bill ("SAFETEA-LU"). We anticipate strong bipartisan support to continue all transportation funding, including trails, walking and bicycling, for six months to give Congress time to agree on a multi-year bill. The Senate will then vote on this House bill. However, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) confirmed with Senator Tom Coburn's (Okla.) office that he plans to introduce an amendment to eliminate the dedicated set-aside for the Transportation Enhancements (TE) program from the extension. He may even go so far as to filibuster to get his way, blocking the whole bill, including maintenance and construction of roads, bridges and transit. TE is the nation’s largest funding source for trails, walking and bicycling. We cannot—and must not—sit by while Sen. Coburn holds our nation’s transportation system hostage to attack a popular, cost-effective program that provides affordable transportation, creates jobs and improves health. Please ask your senators to stand up to this brazen, misguided attack now. Not only do trails provide all of the above benefits, but communities crave them! In poll after poll, through local resolutions and more, we know that communities greatly value their trails and opportunities to safely and conveniently walk and bike to get where they’re going. I’m always disappointed when I learn of opposition to trails and active transportation. These programs really have no downsides, and for such a minimal cost! The savings that would result from cutting these crucial programs account for less than two cents on every dollar that goes to other transportation programs. Thanks for joining me, Kevin Mills Vice President of Program Rails-to-Trails Conservancy