DOT Sec. Ray LaHood posted on his blog, "When I told the League of American Bicyclists National Bike Summit that 'Cyclists are important users of America's transportation systems,' I meant it. And, when I wrote that, 'With DOT, bicyclists have a full partner in working toward livable communities,' I meant that as well." LaHood even titled the post "Bicycling is an Important Factor in Less Carbon-Intensive Commuting." This isn't the answer to all of bicycling's needs but it is definitely reassuring to know that the Secretary of Transportation supports bicycling advocacy.

Furthermore, LaHood is pushing for bicycling projects. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides $48.1 billion for transportation infrastructure projects to be administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Of that, $27.5 billion is for highways and bridges, with three percent of that for state transportation enhancements - a primary source of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure funding. LaHood even places quotation marks around "highway" in the blog and follows the insinuation with these encouraging words, "All of the highway funding is flexible, and bicycle and pedestrian projects are eligible. The three percent in transportation enhancements is a floor not a ceiling." View your state specific transportation funding info. Read LaHood's blog.

Down to the Wire for Vehicular Homicide, Funding Bills in Oregon

As the clock ticks in Salem, Ore. on the 2009 legislative session, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) and other bike advocates are making last ditch efforts to make Ore.'s laws more friendly to bikes. Today in Salem, work sessions (different from public hearings in that no testimony is heard) will be held for a bill that could increase funding for bike projects and a bill that would get tougher on people whose dangerous and/or illegal behavior results in the death of another person. HB 2001 is the revamp of the Governor's Jobs and Transportation Act of 2009. The BTA is working for two amendments they hope to stuff in the bill before it leaves the House Transportation Committee. Read more on bikeportland.org.

Deleware Governor Signs Executive Order on Complete Streets at Delaware Bike Summit

The Deleware Bike Summit was a great success with 280 attendees and spurred immediate action. Del. Governor Jack Markell, who attended and spoke at the summit, announced an executive order creating a complete streets policy for the state. Also Congressman Castle gave a presentation on the C&D Canal recreation path that included an anouncement that final design for the multi-use path will be complete in May and that construction could begin as early as the end of the year.

Davis, California to be the
U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame Headquarters

The City of Davis beat 11 other cities across the nation to win the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame Headquarters relocation from Somerville, New Jersey. The California Bicycle Museum Board of Directors thanked the Davis community, the City of Davis and the University of California, Davis for supporting the relocation proposal, which will involve integration with the California Bicycle Museum and thus, a relocation to a larger facility in Davis. City of Davis officials are still in negotiations with several local facilities and will announce the new location for the museums within the next several weeks. "The Davis community is passionate about bicycles, at every level, in every aspect of cycling." said Dawn Wylong, president of the Hall of Fame. "In Davis, the Hall of Fame will be celebrated and appreciated for what it represents."